While he was passionate about filmmaking, Redford was also an activist for the climate. In 2005, he founded the Redford Center, a nonprofit dedicated to “environmental impact filmmaking,” per its website. Through its mission, the center states that its films have “halted the construction of harmful coal plants, restored the Colorado River Delta, reconnected people to nature, and helped accelerate the clean energy revolution.”
In 2016, Redford was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-president Barack Obama for his work in both the film and climate space.
“As an actor, director, producer, and as an advocate, he has not stopped,” Obama said during the ceremony. “We admire Bob not just for his remarkable acting, but for having figured out what to do next.”
Indeed, it wasn’t until 2018 that Redford—who shares four children with ex wife Lola Van Wagenen—decided to slow down and spend more time with his family.
“I just figure that I’ve had a long career that I’m very pleased with,” Redford told the Associated Press at the time. “It’s been so long, ever since I was 21. I figure now as I’m getting into my 80s, it’s maybe time to move toward retirement and spend more time with my wife and family.”
Keep reading for a deeper look into Redford’s life…