Paul Newman Was Jealous Of Robert Redford But They Bonded Like Brothers Over Time

Aug 23, 2023 by apost team

In 1969, Hollywood witnessed the creation of a legendary cinematic partnership in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Paul Newman and Robert Redford, portraying the infamous outlaws, brought the Wild West to life and etched their names into the annals of film history. 

However, behind their convincing portrayal of camaraderie, not all was apparently smooth sailing. Newman, who was cast as Butch Cassidy, revealed via BBC’s Talking Pictures that he had some resentments towards the younger Redford, who took on the role of the Sundance Kid.

Newman was already a seasoned superstar and made his mark with roles in unforgettable movies like "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958) and "Cool Hand Luke" (1967). Redford was a rising star who was building his reputation with his performance alongside Natalie Wood in "Inside Daisy Clover" (1965). This role landed him a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year. 

The casting of Redford alongside Newman in the popular Western movie came about after Steve McQueen turned down the role. Despite their on-screen chemistry, their off-screen relationship apparently didn't start out on friendly terms. 

In Newman's biography "The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir," the actor admitted that he wasn't particularly fond of Redford in the beginning. He found the younger actor discourteous and undependable. 

Newman's daughter, Clea Newman Soderlund, offered insights into the source of why the actors did not get along while working on their first movie together. In a BBC interview, she said that her father was a “stickler for timeliness” and worked hard to perfect the movie, while Redford was “more of a free spirit."

Over time, however, Newman and Redford’s relationship evolved. Living just a mile apart in Connecticut, the families of Newman and Redford became close, extending their bond beyond the screen. 

Reflecting on their unique friendship, Redford explained, "We both got to know each other's flaws pretty well,” ABC News. “We'd try to surprise each other, and it was so d*mn much fun that it became like a scenario unto itself." 

Following their successful portrayals in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Newman and Redford reunited for "The Sting” (1973) and then explored the possibility of collaborating on a third film. This idea almost materialized in the film adaptation of Bill Bryson's book, "A Walk in the Woods” (2015). 

Redford, who starred and produced the film, initially envisioned the project as another opportunity to work with his buddy Newman in 2005. However, circumstances prevented that dream from coming true. Instead, Nick Nolte joined him in the movie.

When Newman passed away at 83 years old in 2008 due to lung cancer, Redford, who celebrated turning 87 years old in August 2023, said that his friend loved life and had such a sense of humor. He believed that the more they worked and spent time together, the more they discovered common ground and interests that deepened their bond.

"It was just that connection of playing those characters and the fun of it that really began the relationship,” he told ABC News.

“It's very easy to lose your mind, your brains in this business, and he was a realist," he added. "He knew enough not to take himself too seriously."

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Paul Newman was a legendary on-screen actor and shared a precious friendship off-screen with Robert Redford. What can you say about their special bond? Know a fan of these actors? Let them know about this story!