Faye Dunaway's Poignant Ode to Robert Redford: A Legacy of Grace
THE LEGENDARY FAYE DUNAWAY SHINES A LIGHT ON ROBERT REDFORD'S ELEGANCE AND PASSION
In a heartfelt tribute, Oscar-winning actress Faye Dunaway has spoken out about her beloved co-star Robert Redford, who sadly passed away at the age of 89 earlier this week. The Scholary Note.com reports that Dunaway, 84, was overcome with emotion as she remembered the iconic actor and director, calling him "the true embodiment of American elegance" in every sense.
Redford's charisma on screen and off was undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers. As Dunaway so eloquently put it: "Robert Redford embodied 'Le vrai elegance Americain' - The true American elegance (a phrase often misattributed to the great Alexis de Tocqueville) in every way: physically, emotionally, artistically."
Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, as anyone who has seen their 1975 spy thriller Three Days of Condor will attest. In the film, Redford played the role of a CIA agent who kidnaps Dunaway's character, only to find themselves falling deeply in love. The chemistry between them was palpable, and it's no wonder that Lane, the esteemed film critic for The New Yorker, described their work together as "the most touching, and the most unsettled, in all of Redford’s work."
But what makes Dunaway's tribute even more poignant is her personal recollection of meeting Redford on set. According to sources close to the actress, she was immediately drawn to Redford's rugged good looks, confessing that it was difficult for her to pretend to be scared of him. "He was gorgeous," she said with a smile.
Their working relationship was just as impressive as their on-screen chemistry. Both Dunaway and Redford were at the height of their powers in the 1970s, starring in some of the most iconic films of the decade, including The Candidate, All the President's Men, and Ordinary People (which earned Redford a well-deserved Oscar for Best Director).
Redford's impact on Hollywood cannot be overstated. He was not only a master actor but also a visionary director and activist who used his platform to speak out against social injustice. His legacy extends far beyond his impressive filmography, inspiring countless actors, directors, and activists around the world.
Dunaway, one of the most celebrated actresses of the 20th century, rose to prominence with her iconic portrayal of bank robber Bonnie Parker in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, earning her first Oscar nomination. She went on to win the Best Actress Academy Award for 1976's Network, cementing her status as a Hollywood legend.
In recent years, Dunaway has spoken candidly about her life and career in various interviews and documentaries, including the critically acclaimed HBO documentary Faye (2024), which examined her remarkable journey from small-town Missouri to Tinseltown stardom. And while she may have had her share of ups and downs over the years, one thing remains constant: her enduring love and respect for Robert Redford.
As Dunaway so eloquently put it in her tribute: "I am proud and fortunate to have called him a colleague and a friend." We couldn't agree more, Faye.