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Robert Redford, who died at 89, starred in more than fifty movies, earned an Academy Award for his work behind the camera, and was known as a strong supporter of independent directors by establishing the recurring Sundance Festival.

Career achievements empowered him to handpick films that matched his politically liberal views, and he was also a campaigner for environmental causes and indigenous peoples’ causes.

His classic American ideal features made a lasting impression: An observer remarked he resembled “a piece of a granite memorial clad in blue jeans.”

One commentator stated he possessed “an effortless bodily elegance and a radiant quality that made it seem as if he was lit internally.”

However the actor thought his beauty were more of a barrier than a help in Hollywood, and remarked that karma had led to tragedy in his family life as punishment for his physical gifts.

The future star entered the world in Santa Monica in the late 1930s, the child of a milkman who eventually became a numbers man for an oil company.

During school, he joined a street gang and faced charges for “borrowing an automobile that had stolen jewelry in its trunk.”

He was awarded a baseball scholarship to a university, but was expelled after 18 months for excessive drinking. Tragically, his mother passed away at a young age.

Overcome with grief, he wandered for a time, finding employment in the oil industry prior to visiting Europe, where he learned artistic techniques.

Living overseas provided fresh insight on America: “It allowed me to see my country in a new light,” he commented.

After returning, he enrolled at a acting school originally intending to work as a stage designer—but soon switched to the craft of acting.

Similar to other performers in late 1950s New York, he gained bit parts on Broadway and in series, for example spots in well-known programs including Dr. Kildare.

His first film came in that decade via a minor role in Tall Story, where he shared the screen with an emerging talent.

Unfortunately, it proved an auspicious launch in Hollywood. The feature underperformed—with a publication stating that “not anything would help this picture.”

But, it signaled the start of a long-lasting bond with Jane, who later said that she developed feelings in love each time they worked together.

“There was perpetually an enigma since he kept private everything,” she said. “He has a certain energy to him.”

The initial major theatrical hit came as confident lawyer a character in Neil Simon’s romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park. Subsequently repeated the role in the movie adaptation, once more with Fonda.

During that period, he received a honor for most promising newcomer for his performance in the movie with an actress.

However he not chosen for the character of the lead in the iconic film as the filmmaker felt he was too attractive—and this led Redford cautious of pigeonholing due to his looks.

Worldwide recognition came at the end of the sixties with the film.

The 33-year-old’s portrayal of the laidback Sundance Kid, opposite Newman’s quick-witted Butch Cassidy, was one of cinema’s most memorable collaborations.

Ironically, Redford came close to not getting the role when a producer said: “He is only one more fair-haired actor. Toss a rock from a window in Malibu, you’d find many like him.”

The production company attempted to avoid selecting Redford, before Paul—a huge talent—got involved and required that he join.

They discovered they both loved an interest of the stage, and remained allies through Newman’s demise in 2008.