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Bob Woodward, who was portrayed by Robert Redford in the 1976 investigative drama All the President’s Men, offered heartfelt praise to the late actor, describing him as “an honorable and morally grounded advocate for justice”.

A Lasting Friendship

In a statement shared on digital platforms, Woodward revealed that he and Redford shared a bond for half a century and that he “held him in high regard” for his loyal companionship, his fierce autonomy, and his dedication to using his influence to make the world better, more just, and more hopeful for people everywhere.

The Actor’s Impact on Investigative Journalism

Woodward highlighted that Redford was instrumental in bringing to light the historic political crisis, encouraging both Woodward and his reporting partner to recount the events from the perspective of their firsthand reporting. This collaboration led to the publication of their nonfiction account All the President’s Men in June 1974, which came before Nixon’s resignation months afterward. Redford secured the screen rights and appeared alongside Dustin Hoffman in the acclaimed cinematic version.

Reflections on Relevance

Woodward also recalled discussions held not long ago with Redford, in which the actor remarked that he had rewatched All the President’s Men in recent years and was “taken aback” by how appropriate and timely it remained, noting that “the core issues persist”. Redford reportedly said, “We don’t have Nixon any more, we have Trump”.

“We live in a country where we can’t call ourselves the United States of America. We simply cannot. We’re the Divided States of America because of the political parties and they’re deeply entrenched in their anxieties.”

A Warning About Threats to Liberty

Redford offered insight directly on Trump, after Woodward proposed that Trump was undermining democracy. “[Trump] doesn’t understand [democracy]”, Redford stated. “Hence, dismantling it becomes simple. Ignorance facilitates destruction. One may even deny its very existence.”