May his memory be for a blessing, now and always
One of the dozens of phone notifications this morning was the sad news that one of my, and millions of others, favorite actors, Robert Redford, has passed away at 89. My mind went back to movies that have left a lasting impression, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, A River Runs Through It, All the President's Men and one of my all-time favorites, The Way We Were. But what also came to mind was the memory of an evening in 1977.
Before anyone's mind jumps to romance, please note that it was not a romantic liaison with one of the most handsome men I've ever been in the same room with. Often, it seems, with the death of a well-known person, stories of romance float out into every corner of the internet. This is rather the story of how I almost met Robert Redford.
It was sometime in 1977, the exact date has long been forgotten, but the place was a reception somewhere in New York City for an environmental organization. My employer at the time was attending and as I coordinated details I managed an invitation for myself. I'd adored Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and loved him in The Way We Were and this was a dream come true.
On that night in 1977 I found myself in a reception space with fifty other people, including Robert Redford. I was struck speechless and immobile. He was, maybe, fifteen feet away, but my feet were stuck to the carpet. I was too shy and overwhelmed to introduce myself. I had met a number of well-known people -- and my employer at the time, Margaret Mead, was very well-known -- but this was a movie star. It wasn't just any movie star. It was Robert Redford.
I'd like to say I overcame my fear and introduced myself, but that's not the story. After I left I metaphorically kicked myself for not pushing myself, for not getting out of my comfort zone. I made a decision that I would never miss the opportunity to meet someone well-known If I had the opportunity. And for the most part, I haven't. Have I always been warmly received? No. Does it bother me? No. For every time someone has looked over my shoulder to see who else is in the room, ten other times have been good interactions.
Dear Robert Redford, thanks for a lifetime of film memories. Thanks for Butch Cassidy, The Way We Were and Out of Africa. But thanks, too, for a very different memory that so unexpectedly changed my life for the better. May your memory always be for a blessing.
As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.
10 comments
That's a wonderful story about a man that seemed bigger than life to me for so long. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, THE WAY WE WERE, All The President's Men; just a few of the many movies that I loved. We just rewatched A Walk In The Woods the other day. It's hard to believe after watching that film (he was 78/79), watching him walking the trails and traversing the rocks that he's gone. Butch and Sundance are together again planning their next train robbery.
I have been trying to rank his movies in my mind, a personal list only. I think Out of Africa is a little ahead of Butch Cassidy. But every time it rains and I start singing the theme song Raindrops keep falling on My Head the list reverses for number one. I cried so many times watching his movies but I am so sorry the list is now final. He was a Star. Great story, Carol. Kate
I liked him too Carol. He was a great star.
Oh, Carol, that's a priceless memory even if you didn't actually meet Robert Redford when you had the opportunity. He was an amazing actor and director who cannot be replaced. May he rest in peace.
A wonderful actor.
May he rest in peace.
All the best Jan
I always like Robert Redford too. He was a fine actor. I was sad to hear of his passing. I'm impressed that you worked for Margaret Mead.
Hold on to that story. It's a good one. So who else famous besides Redford and Mead have you met?
Hs truly was a great actor and a heart throb of many, I loved the movie The way we were, it's one of my all time favorites. How lovely to see him in person. I wouldn't have had the nerve to introduce mysald ro him wirhwe. What a wonderful memory.
Wow, I didn't know you used to work for Margaret Mead. Was that THE Margaret Mead (anthropologist)? Must have been an interesting job.
I also enjoyed watching Robert Redford movies.
Even though you did not personally meet or speak with Redford, the fact remains that you were there, Carol, and that your non-meeting had such an effect later in life. I also am a big fan of his films and plan to watch The Way We Were this weekend with tissues at the ready. Thanks for sharing a wonderful memory, a nice tribute.
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