Charles Robert Redford Jr. was born in Santa Monica, California. He grew up in a working-class family and attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship.
After a brief stint in Europe, Redford moved to New York to study acting. He began his career on the stage and in television, appearing in shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".
Redford's breakout role came in 1969 with "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," co-starring Paul Newman. The film made him a major Hollywood star.
In 1984, Redford starred in "The Natural," a film that has become a classic. He played Roy Hobbs, a baseball player with a mysterious past and a powerful bat named "Wonderboy."
The story of Roy Hobbs is one of redemption and second chances. After a tragic event cuts short his promising career, he returns to the game as a middle-aged rookie and leads his team to glory.
Redford was also a talented director. He won an Academy Award for Best Director for his 1980 film "Ordinary People."
In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers. The annual Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious in the world.
Beyond film, Redford was a passionate environmentalist and political activist, supporting causes such as climate change awareness and Native American rights.
Robert Redford's legacy as an actor, director, and champion of independent film will continue to inspire generations to come.