Robert Redford’s career was the definition of versatility. From sweeping Westerns set against Utah’s stunning landscapes to intimate dramas and Oscar-winning performances, Redford left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Here’s a look at some of his most unforgettable roles.
The best Redford films shot in Utah (and his greatest Westerns)
‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969)
Redford stars as the Sundance Kid opposite Paul Newman’s charismatic Butch Cassidy. Filmed in Utah’s ghost town of Grafton, Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park, the film blends train robberies and breathtaking scenery. The story of two outlaws captured audiences and earned four Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
‘Jeremiah Johnson’ (1972)
In this rugged western, Redford plays a mountain man surviving in the wilderness. Utah’s Zion National Park, Mount Timpanogos, Snow Canyon State Park and Sundance Resort provide the backdrop, capturing the quiet determination of a man at one with the wild.
‘The Electric Horseman’ (1979)
Reuniting with Jane Fonda, Redford stars as Sonny Steele, a washed-up rodeo champion turned corporate pitchman who risks everything to save a horse. Filmed across St. George, Grafton and Zion National Park, the movie nods to local culture with references to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Redford’s charm and Utah scenery make this one of his most visually and emotionally engaging films.
‘Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here’ (1969)
Based on a true story, Redford portrays a sheriff leading a manhunt for a young Paiute man who committed murder in self-defense. The film explores themes of justice, morality and survival in the frontier West.
‘The Horse Whisperer’ (1998)
As both director and star, Redford plays Tom Booker, a man gifted at healing traumatized horses — and their owners. The film tells a moving story of recovery and connection after a young girl and her horse are in a tragic accident.
‘The Great Waldo Pepper’ (1975)
Redford embodies Waldo Pepper, a biplane pilot who missed flying in World War I and turns to stunt work in Hollywood. Waldo hopes to prove himself as he works on a film depicting the Great War’s aerial dogfights.
Top Academy Award winners
‘All the President’s Men’ (1976, 4 Oscars)
Redford stars as Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, documenting the investigation into the Watergate scandal alongside Dustin Hoffman’s Carl Bernstein. One notable scene features Redford on the phone in a continuous six-minute take. The film won four Oscars in 1977, cementing its place in cinematic history.
‘The Sting’ (1973)
Redford and Paul Newman play charismatic scammers teaming up for an elaborate con in 1930s Chicago. The film earned seven Academy Award wins in 1974, with Redford receiving a nomination for Best Actor in Leading Role.
‘The Natural’ (1984)
In this feel good comeback story, Redford stars as Roy Hobbs, a baseball prodigy whose career is derailed by personal tragedy. The film received multiple Oscar nominations, including for cinematography and score.
‘The Way We Were’ (1973)
Redford stars with Barbara Streisand in this post-World War II story about two lovers navigating political and personal differences. The pair learn that friendship and physical attraction may not be enough to overcome their fundamentally different societal beliefs. The film earned two Oscars in 1974 and received numerous nominations.
Redford’s overall top 10
‘All Is Lost’ (2013)
With a nearly wordless script of just 32 pages, Redford delivers a masterclass in physical acting as a lone sailor struggling to survive after his yacht collides with a shipping container. The film relies entirely on Redford’s performance to carry the story, making it a testament to his screen presence.
‘The Old Man & the Gun’ (2018)
Redford’s farewell performance is based on the true story of Forrest Tucker, a charming career criminal who repeatedly escaped from prison. The film follows Tucker’s heists, his romance with a bank teller and the detective chasing him. Redford’s charisma shines in the film, a bittersweet capstone to his career.
Redford and Jane Fonda star as newlyweds navigating married life in a tiny Manhattan apartment. Their comedic struggles with space, family and neighbors blend with the chemistry of a young couple navigating marriage. On set, Redford reportedly preferred Western boots and a cowboy hat during breaks.
‘Sneakers’ (1992)
Redford leads a team of security experts testing systems for vulnerabilities. When they are coerced into stealing a mysterious device capable of breaking any encryption, Bishop and his team must navigate through their betrayal. This film adds a clever and entertaining thriller in Redford’s filmography.
Redford stars as Bill McKay, a principled California lawyer persuaded to run for the U.S. Senate. McKay quickly discovers the compromises and manipulations of politics. The film highlights Redford’s subtle performance as a man struggling to balance integrity with the demands of public life.
‘A Bridge Too Far’ (1977)
Set in World War II era Europe, Redford plays the small but impactful role of Major Julian Cook, a U.S. Airborne Major as he leads his battalion during Operation Market Garden in their effort to capture key bridges along the Waal River in the Netherlands.
‘The Great Gatsby’ (1974)