HEARTBREAK & HOLLYWOOD

The icon of film hid a tragic loss throughout his stellar career

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During Robert Redford’s acceptance speech for an honorary Oscar in 2002, the star of more than 70 movies, who died last week at age 89, spoke about spending much of his life “focused on the road ahead, not looking back”.

And while this spoke to the filmmaker’s determination not to dwell on his past achievements, it could also be a veiled reference to how the iconic star survived the heartbreaking tragedies he carried throughout his life.

PLACE HE LOVED

Robert's passing was confirmed by a spokesperson who revealed the actor had passed away “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah - the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved.”

At 89, he'd enjoyed a 65-year career that saw him become one of the most feted stars of a golden age of cinema.

Despite announcing his retirement in 2019, Robert continued to work. His most recent role came last March with a cameo on the detective series Dark Wind.

His director, Chris Eyre paid tribute to the “generous” actor who was his usual “great, familiar handsome self” during the day’s filming, which was filled with “fun and joy and generosity”.