Paul Newman’s family is celebrating his friendship with Robert Redford after the latter actor’s death.
Newman’s daughter, Nell, 66, told People on Wednesday that the “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” co-stars had “a movie friendship that blossomed into a more serious friendship.”
Newman died of cancer at age 83 in September 2008, while Redford died at age 89 on Tuesday.
Paul Newman and Robert Redford at an event in Connecticut in 2004. Getty Images
Robert Redford and Paul Newman on the set of the 1969 Western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation/Sunset Boulevard/CorbisThe duo worked together in two movies: 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and 1973’s “The Sting.”
“They had two great movies together, and that was a really strong bond,” Nell said. “I think that’s what brought them together.”
Nell remembered Redford as “real catalyst in Dad’s interest in environmental issues because Bob was already ahead of the game. I think he was a good influence on my father.”
Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and Nell Newman at Pier 60 in New York City in 2002. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Nell Newman at the Riverkeeper 2003 Benefit in NYC. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images“Bob was a quiet philanthropist,” she added of Redford. “He supported a lot of stuff, but he wasn’t flashy. Dad didn’t like noisy philanthropists. I do know that when it came to environmental issues — Bob was ahead of the game. He was a real sounding board for Dad. That’s really nice.”
Nell called the “Barefoot in the Park” actor a “lovely man” and recalled that he helped her get a job after college. “He was so warm and helpful at that particular time in my life,” she said.
Paul Newman died of cancer at age 83 in September 2008. Corbis via Getty Images
The duo worked together in two movies: 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (above) and 1973’s “The Sting.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett CollectionRedford, according to Nell, would also always invite the Newman family to Sundance Resort in Utah.
“Every single time I talked to him on the phone, ‘Come out and go skiing. Come out and go to the festival,'” she told People. “He was just a regular guy who had a very strong interest in the environment—he was just a good one.”
Paul Newman and Robert Redford at the Sundance Institute’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2006 in NYC. Getty ImagesRedford released an emotional statement at the time of Newman’s death in 2008.
“There is a point where feelings go beyond words,” Redford said. “I have lost a real friend. My life – and this country – is better for his being in it.”
Newman and Redford attend the Westport Country Playhouse gala benefit dinner in 2004 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Getty ImagesRedford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed his death on Tuesday. She revealed the two-time Oscar winner passed away in his sleep.
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” Berger told The Post in a statement. “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Robert Redford speaks at the Women’s Conference in 2010 held in Long Beach, California. AFP via Getty ImagesSeveral of Redford’s former colleagues have paid tribute in the wake of his death, including his five-time co-star Jane Fonda.
“I can’t stop crying,” Fonda, 87, said in a statement to The Post via her rep. “He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in a promotional photo for the 1967 romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” Getty ImagesRedford’s “Out of Africa” co-star Meryl Streep, “Indecent Proposal” co-star Demi Moore, “The Last Castle” co-star Mark Ruffalo and “All the President’s Men” co-star Dustin Hoffman also paid tribute to the legend.
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, two daughters and seven grandchildren.
