Paul Newman and Robert Redford remain one of Hollywood’s most celebrated on-screen duos. Their chemistry in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973) not only captivated audiences but also cemented their status as two of the greatest actors of their generation. While their relationship began with some professional tension, it eventually grew into a lifelong friendship built on respect, humor, and shared artistic passion.
This article takes a closer look at Newman and Redford’s careers, their legendary films together, and how their bond evolved both on and off the screen.
Early Career Paths
Paul Newman was born in 1925 in Shaker Heights, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he pursued acting, studying at Yale University and later at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York. By the late 1950s, Newman had already become a household name thanks to films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) alongside Elizabeth Taylor. His performance in Cool Hand Luke (1967) further established him as one of Hollywood’s leading men.
Robert Redford, born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, took a slightly different path. After studying art in Colorado and Europe, Redford shifted to acting, training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. His breakout came with roles in Inside Daisy Clover (1965) and Barefoot in the Park (1967), showcasing his charm and charisma. By the late 1960s, Redford was emerging as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
The pairing of Newman and Redford first came together in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, directed by George Roy Hill. The film, inspired by real-life outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker (Butch Cassidy) and Harry Longabaugh (the Sundance Kid), follows their adventures as train robbers fleeing law enforcement.
Newman, already an established star, was cast as Butch Cassidy, while Redford took on the role of the Sundance Kid. Their dynamic performances, witty dialogue, and natural chemistry turned the film into a box-office success. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography, and is consistently ranked among the greatest Westerns ever made.
At the time, Newman admitted he initially wished he had played the Sundance role, as he identified more with its cool, restrained qualities. Nonetheless, his portrayal of Butch became one of his most iconic performances.
The Sting (1973)
Following the massive success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Newman and Redford reunited four years later in The Sting. Once again directed by George Roy Hill, the film tells the story of two con men in the 1930s who team up to pull off a complex scam.
Their on-screen partnership proved just as powerful the second time around. The Sting became a critical and commercial hit, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Newman and Redford’s performances demonstrated their ability to seamlessly play off each other, blending humor, suspense, and charisma.
Professional Differences
Despite their undeniable chemistry, Newman and Redford did not immediately form a close friendship during the filming of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Newman, who was known for his discipline and punctuality, sometimes found Redford’s more free-spirited approach frustrating. Newman’s daughter, Claire Newman Soderlund, later suggested that their different work styles may have been the source of early tension.
Over time, however, their respect for each other grew. Both actors acknowledged the other’s strengths, and their professional partnership laid the foundation for a real-life bond that deepened as the years went by.
Lasting Friendship
By the time of The Sting, Newman and Redford had developed a strong camaraderie. They became neighbors in Connecticut, living only a short distance apart, and their families also became close. Their friendship extended beyond Hollywood, with shared interests in philanthropy, environmental causes, and social justice.
Newman, who co-founded Newman’s Own, donated all profits from the food company to charitable organizations. Redford, meanwhile, founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to support independent filmmakers, a venture that grew into the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Their shared values and sense of humor helped forge a bond that lasted decades.
Plans for a Third Film
Fans long hoped that Newman and Redford would appear together in a third film. One potential project was A Walk in the Woods, based on Bill Bryson’s 1998 memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Redford, who later starred in and produced the 2015 adaptation, originally envisioned Newman as his co-star.
In a 2015 interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Redford explained that Newman ultimately declined, feeling he could not meet the physical demands of the role. The part later went to Nick Nolte. While the project didn’t come to fruition for Newman and Redford, it reflected their continued desire to collaborate even decades after their first success.
Newman’s Passing and Redford’s Tribute
Paul Newman passed away in 2008 at the age of 83 after a private battle with cancer. Following his death, Robert Redford shared heartfelt words, recalling not only their iconic films but also the deep friendship they had developed over the years.
Redford described their bond as one built on humor, trust, and mutual respect. He emphasized that their connection extended far beyond their on-screen roles, becoming more like that of brothers than colleagues.
Legacy of Two Legends
The legacy of Paul Newman and Robert Redford as a duo is unmatched in Hollywood history. Their two films together—Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting—are considered classics that continue to influence filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.
Individually, both actors left indelible marks on cinema. Newman earned multiple Academy Award nominations and won Best Actor for The Color of Money (1986). He also became widely respected for his philanthropy, with Newman’s Own Foundation donating over half a billion dollars to charities to date.
Redford, an Oscar-winning director for Ordinary People (1980), has been equally influential as an actor, filmmaker, and environmental advocate. Through the Sundance Institute, he has helped launch the careers of countless independent filmmakers.
Conclusion
Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s partnership is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stories. From initial professional differences to a lifelong friendship, their journey reflects the power of respect, humor, and shared passion for storytelling. Their films continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the magic that happens when two legends come together.
More than co-stars, Newman and Redford became cultural icons whose impact on film and philanthropy will endure for generations.
