Robert Redford and Paul Newman Shared a Rare Hollywood Friendship That Lasted a Lifetime

Hollywood is filled with fleeting connections, on-screen chemistry that doesn’t survive beyond the set, and friendships often tested by rivalry. But every so often, two stars find a bond that transcends the industry’s competitive nature.

That was the case for Paul Newman and Robert Redford. What began as a professional collaboration turned into a lifelong friendship defined by mutual admiration, respect, and genuine affection—something remarkably rare in the entertainment world.

When Newman passed away in 2008 at the age of 83 from lung cancer, Redford reflected on their relationship in an interview with ABC. He explained that their friendship began with the 1969 hit Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

“It was just that connection of playing those characters and the fun of it that really began the relationship,” Redford said. “And then once the film started, once we went forward, we discovered other similarities that just multiplied over time—a common ground that we both had between us, interests and so forth, and differences.”

The film, a hybrid western-buddy comedy, was a major success. Newman and Redford played affable outlaws whose partnership in crime mirrored the camaraderie the two actors developed off-screen.

The movie went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, and set the stage for one of Hollywood’s most beloved acting duos.

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969)

20th Century Fox

Much like Butch and Sundance, Redford and Newman built a relationship marked by loyalty and humor. Despite their shared status as Hollywood leading men and heartthrobs, they chose friendship over rivalry.

On Tuesday, Redford himself passed away at 89, “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah—the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” according to his publicist, Cindi Berger. His death prompted many to revisit the deep connection he shared with Newman, a bond that stood the test of decades.

Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, emphasizes that authentic relationships, like the one shared by Redford and Newman, thrive on vulnerability and trust. She states, 'The ability to be open, to share joys and sorrows, fosters deep connections that can withstand the pressures of fame.' This emotional depth can be cultivated by practicing active listening and empathy in any relationship.

Dr. David’s research indicates that fostering these qualities can transform superficial connections into lifelong partnerships, providing a solid foundation even amidst the chaos of Hollywood.

The two men had plenty in common. Like Newman, Redford began on the stage before making his way to the big screen. Both took their craft seriously, prizing respect for their work over the glamour of stardom.

Redford once shared that Newman had personally advocated for him to be cast in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, fighting to ensure the younger actor got the role of Sundance opposite his Butch.

“He said, ‘I want to work with an actor,’” Redford recalled. “And that was very complimentary to me because that’s, I think, how we both saw our profession—that acting was about craft, and we took it seriously.”

2004: Greenwich, Connecticut.

Evan Agostini

Their professional chemistry carried into another classic collaboration, The Sting, in 1973, further solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s greatest on-screen pairings.

But beyond the movies, their similarities continued to shape their connection. Both were family men and philanthropists.

They lived only a mile apart in Connecticut for a time, bonded over their desire to be taken seriously as actors, and funneled their fame into causes that mattered—Newman through his Newman’s Own food brand and Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for sick children, Redford through environmental advocacy and support for independent filmmaking.

Redford once spoke about Newman’s dedication to the camp he founded in 1988: “Not so much a hero, but a guy who stood up for what he believed was right.” He added, “Playing friends, we became friends. And I got to experience firsthand what that meant to Paul.”

He often emphasized how much Newman had influenced him personally and professionally, saying Newman showed him “what the craft of acting meant to him, what his family meant to him, which was everything.”

Redford then added with a laugh, “So I couldn’t say enough good things about Paul, except that he had a terrible sense of humor. And the worst of it was that he would laugh at his bad jokes.”

The admiration was mutual. Newman once credited his wife, Joanne Woodward, with suggesting Redford for Butch Cassidy.

After reading the script, she reportedly told him, “The only guy who can play it is Bob Redford.” On Film 82, Newman described their connection simply: “We have a lot of fun together. We bounce off of each other very well.”

That fun often translated into elaborate pranks. Newman recalled how Redford once sent him a Porsche for his birthday—a totaled car that had crashed at 130 mph, left in his driveway with a bow. Newman had it compacted and, with the help of Redford’s real estate agent, planted the crushed remains in Redford’s home.

“It took five guys to carry this thing into his house,” Newman said with a grin. “And of course he finally won that one because he never admitted that anything was in his house.”

Through decades of work, laughter, and mutual support, Newman and Redford showed that Hollywood friendships could be real and enduring. Their bond, much like their iconic films, remains a testament to loyalty, respect, and the rare joy of finding a true friend.

Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, highlights the importance of mutual admiration as a cornerstone of enduring friendships. He notes, 'In successful relationships, partners actively cultivate respect and appreciation for one another.' This dynamic was evident in the camaraderie between Redford and Newman, which allowed them to navigate their professional lives without succumbing to jealousy.

For those wishing to strengthen their friendships, Gottman suggests practicing gratitude by regularly expressing appreciation for the small things. This simple act can significantly enhance relational satisfaction.

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

The friendship between Robert Redford and Paul Newman serves as a powerful reminder of how genuine connections can flourish even in competitive environments. Experts like Dr. Susan David and Dr. John Gottman provide valuable insights into the qualities that foster such bonds, emphasizing vulnerability, mutual admiration, and open communication. By adopting these principles, individuals can cultivate deeper relationships in their own lives. As Redford once said, 'The best thing about friendship is that it gives you the chance to share your life with someone who truly understands you.'