Robert Redford six months before his passing made on-screen appearance.
In Dark Winds, the legendary actor, played an inmate engaged in a game of chess with Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin in a police station’s small cell.
According to director Chris Eyre, Redford was a joy to work with on the set of Dark Winds. “Bob is so kind and he was so nice on the day, and so was George,” Eyre said.
The scene was shot on a closed set at Redford’s request, and despite being a brief appearance, Redford ad-libbed a line to Martin during the chess game: “George, the whole world is waiting.”
Showrunner John Wirth described the experience of working with Redford as “one of the highlights” of his career.
“Bob is, like me, a little bit older, and I was afraid he was going to get tired and we were taking too much time, but in the process of shooting it I saw him just take a deep breath and become Robert Redford right before my eyes,” Wirth said.
“He’s really fun in the scene. He’s everything he ever was and that you would want him to be.”
Redford’s career spanned decades, with iconic roles in films like Barefoot in the Park and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He also established himself as a respected filmmaker, winning the Best Director Academy Award in 1981 for Ordinary People. Redford’s legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Redford was 89. He peacefully passed in Utah in between his loved ones.