“A dolphin among sharks”
I met Bob in 1984 through a mutual friend in Malibu, just after he finished “Out of Africa.” I started working for him soon after, and we became friends. At the time, he was setting up Sundance and stepping back from Hollywood. He was a dolphin among sharks—the kindest, wisest person you could ever hope to meet.
Lex, Joshua Tree, CA
“His impact on film-making in New Mexico will last”
Robert Redford generously supported the Milagro at Los Luceros project in New Mexico. His vision and generosity helped Native American, Hispanic, and female writers—who are often overlooked—create screenplays, books, and films under the guidance of writer and director Joan Tewkesbury. His influence on both film-making and the environment in New Mexico will be felt for years to come.
Jean, New Mexico
“At my PhD graduation, my mum was more excited about being in the same room as Bob”
Robert Redford received an honorary degree at my PhD graduation at Trinity College Dublin in 2008. Even though I’d worked hard for four years and was the first in my family to earn the title “Dr,” my mum was far more thrilled to be in the same room as her longtime crush, “Bob.” I was a little annoyed that he was stealing my thunder—until I walked up to receive my degree and he gave me a wink and a smile. Yes, I went weak at the knees. But don’t tell my mum I said that.
Catriona, 45, university professor, Helston, Cornwall
“Every inch the movie star”
In 1978, producer Richard Drewett and I made a film with Robert Redford called “The Outlaw Trail.” He showed up a week late, driving up the road to his home above Sundance in a silver Porsche convertible, suntanned and wearing blue denim—every inch the movie star. His excuse for the delay? “I had the chance to spend some time with my son James.”
Alan Ravenscroft, 78, retired documentary-maker
“The waiter told him The Great Escape was his favourite movie”
In the 2000s, Robert Redford was having dinner with his partner at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat in the south of France, right next to our table. At one point, the waiter leaned over and told him that “The Great Escape” was his favorite movie. Robert took it graciously, thanked him, took a sip of his vodka martini, and had a good laugh after the waiter walked away.
Susanne, 54, former financial trader, London
“I helped him to an auditorium seat to watch his son graduate”
Robert Redford’s son was a year ahead of me in high school, and I was a junior usher at his graduation. I had the chance to lead Mr. Redford and his wife to their seats. It was a brief, polite exchange, but it struck me as funny: after all the times I’d found my own seat in a theater to watch his films, here I was helping him find a seat to watch his son graduate.
Robert, 62, lawyer, New York City
“Paul Newman recommended he go to the National Film Theatre”
The most memorable moment was Robert Redford’s appearance at the National Film Theatre (now the BFI) in London in the 1970s. I asked him why he came, and he said, “I called Paul Newman and asked him what to do in London.” Newman told him, “You’ve got to go to the NFT—they’ll treat you right, and they know how to do it.”
Deac, London
“He set up an expectation that I had a lot to look forward to in the navy”
I was a college senior already enlisted in the navy when I saw Robert Redford in “The Way We Were.” He looked incredibly handsome in his navy uniform—it took my breath away. Right away, he made me feel like I had a lot to look forward to in the navy.Looking forward to seeing him in the Navy! In my entire career, I never saw anyone look as good in that uniform as he did.
—Patty, 73, retired Navy nurse, Annapolis, MD
He inspired a whole generation of skiers to embrace the sport, try amateur racing, leave the East Coast to explore the magnificent mountains of the West, and believe that those wild places deserve our protection. Bravo, Downhill Racer.
—Mary, Pen Argyl, PA
Did you know Robert Redford is the narrator at the planetarium in Kolkata, India? I took my kids there and came out feeling refreshed and hopeful. He made you believe everything might turn out alright—not by hiding the truth, but through his actions and presence.
—Shreya Sen-Handley, author, Nottingham
Robert Redford in The Natural (1984).
He embodied what a dignified man should be. I first saw him in The Natural—he was a beautiful man, unmatched on and off screen. He represented dignity and always tried to make the world better. I could spend weeks watching his films and learning how to live a good life, just as he did.
—Khalid, Dubai
He apologized and laughed at himself. In the early 2000s, after working at a major London art gallery, my colleagues and I were pretty jaded about celebrities. One evening, just before closing, a man walked past our desks, and everyone started giggling nervously, their cheeks flushed. When he asked for a ticket to the special exhibition, my boss had to tell him we were closing. The man apologized, laughed humbly, and left. That brief exchange showed what a lovely, self-effacing person Robert Redford was. They don’t make them like that anymore.
—Clare, 55, unemployed, Kendal, Cumbria
Ordinary in his extraordinariness. He was a true star from an era when that word still held mystery, excitement, and awe—something long gone today. Redford had magic.
Many know him from Sundance, Barefoot in the Park, The Sting, and more, but I’d recommend seeking out his lesser-known works. Try The Candidate, where he plays a charming political hopeful who isn’t sure what to do once he wins, or Three Days of the Condor, where he’s an everyman caught in a world of government conspiracy and paranoia.
Add to that his dedication to the environment, decency, humanity, and film through Sundance. And now he’s gone. Given the state of the world, maybe it’s for the best. He almost seemed too good for this place.
—John Socha, 55, English and film studies teacher, Gdansk, Poland
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the topic A dolphin among sharks readers honor Robert Redford a legendary actor and a genuinely good person
General Definition Questions
Q What does A dolphin among sharks mean in this context
A Its a metaphor describing Robert Redford as a kind principled and goodhearted person who succeeded in the often cutthroat and competitive entertainment industry
Q Who is Robert Redford
A He is a legendary American actor director producer and environmentalist famous for films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid The Sting and All the Presidents Men He also founded the Sundance Film Festival
Q Why are readers honoring him
A The phrase suggests that a publication asked its readers to share their thoughts and the overwhelming response was to praise Redford not just for his talent but for his character and integrity as a person
Questions About His Career Impact
Q What are some of Robert Redfords most famous movies
A Some of his most iconic films include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid The Sting The Natural Out of Africa and All the Presidents Men As a director he won an Oscar for Ordinary People
Q What is the Sundance Film Festival and why is it important
A Founded by Redford Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the US Its incredibly important because it provides a platform for small creative films that might not get noticed by big Hollywood studios
Q Besides acting what else is he known for
A He is a passionate environmentalist and philanthropist He has advocated for conservation and renewable energy for decades and has used his platform to support various social and political causes
Questions About His Character Legacy
Q What makes people consider him a genuinely good person
A Stories from colleagues and fans often highlight his humility kindness on set dedication to mentoring new artists through Sundance and his lifelong commitment to environmental activism without seeking publicity for it
Q Has he won any awards for his humanitarian work
A Yes he has received numerous honors outside of film including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in
