By Brittany Spanos
Copyright rollingstone
Skip to main content
September 16, 2025
Scarlett Johansson and Robert Redford in 1998’s THE HORSE WHISPERER
© Buena Vista Pictures/Everett Collection
When Scarlett Johansson was 11 years old, Robert Redford cast her in the neo-Western drama The Horse Whisperer. In a statement shared with Rolling Stone in light of Redford’s death, the actress shared the formative memories of working with the actor so young.
Redford directed and starred in the film, playing a gifted horse trainer tasked with helping an injured teen (Johansson) and her horse following an accident. “Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story,” Johansson recalls. “No matter the reality of the days’ rush, I always felt he had all the time in the world for our work. Bob created an environment on set that was calm and precious; a place where actors could make discoveries. He was patient and warm and kind.”
Trending Stories
Coachella Unveils 2026 Lineup: See Who’s Joining Justin Bieber, Karol G, Sabrina Carpenter
British TV Station to Air Marathon of Trump’s Lies as He Visits U.K.
Robert Redford, Oscar-Winning Actor and Director, Dead at 89
Internet Archive and Major Labels Settle $621 Million Copyright Lawsuit
She goes on to share the ways her experience with Redford and his generosity shaped the rest of her career. “Bob taught me what acting could be, and it was from his generosity and patience that I was inspired to pursue the possibilities of the craft,” she says. “That same generosity and love of the art inspired Bob’s creation of Sundance, a place where filmmakers learn from one another, inspire one another, and discover one another’s talent. Bob, thank you for your belief in me and for your grace and guidance. You inspired so many artists, myself included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Redford died at his Utah home Tuesday morning. The Oscar-winning actor, director, and Sundance Institute founder, was 89. During his lifetime, he was a celebrated activist whose work amplified social and environmental causes and indicted the political system.
‘One of the Finest Actors Ever’: Barbra Streisand Remembers Robert Redford
Paying Tribute
Jon Blistein
Bob Woodward Honors Robert Redford: ‘A Noble and Principled Force for Good’
In Memoriam
Jon Blistein
Amanda Seyfried Welcomes Sydney Sweeney to Her Living Hell in ‘The Housemaid’ Trailer
Please, Please, Please
Larisha Paul
Addison Rae Gets Murdered in ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’ Trailer
Scream Queen
Brittany Spanos
Robert Redford Was the Definition of a Movie Star
In Memoriam
Go to PMC.com
Most Popular
Matthew Dowd Fired From MSNBC for Charlie Kirk Comments
Comedy Central Pulls ‘South Park’ Episode After Charlie Kirk Assassination
Why Taylor Swift’s Attendance at the Chiefs’ Season Opener Isn’t a Total Guarantee
Two More Staffers Fired from Kennedy Center, and More: Morning Links for September 12, 2025
You might also like
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Team on Casting the Milestone Season, Switching Up Pros and Steering Clear of Politics
2 hours ago
Jackie Chung’s ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Finale Teaser Has Fans ‘Scared’
3 hours ago
Kim Cattrall and Jimmy Choo’s Sandra Choi Meet at the Bar
3 hours ago
Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand, Martin Scorsese, Morgan Freeman Pay Tribute to Robert Redford: ‘He Stood for an America We Have to Keep Fighting for’
2 hours ago
What’s Next for Women’s Sports? Experts Dish at Sportico’s Rise
2 hours ago
Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP
