While real-life criminals Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were friends, actor Paul Newman said that he had some hatred against the youthful Robert Redford during production.
Newman, as Robert LeRoy Parker, or “Butch Cassidy,” and Redford, as Harry Longabaugh, “Sundance Kid,” were convincing in their portrayals of the Wild West buddies, notorious criminals on the run from the law after a string of bank and train robberies.
The 1969 film about real-life outlaws won four Oscars and is regarded as one of the best Westerns ever filmed. Four years later, the two beautiful heartthrobs reunited for another caper picture, The Sting (1973).
Newman and Redford are both legends, and together they created magic. But have you ever wondered how Hollywood celebs get along away from the set?
Newman, who played Butch at the age of 44, acknowledged his desire to play the younger Redford, who was 33 at the time.
In an interview with BBC’s Talking Pictures, Newman stated, “We have a lot of fun together, and we bounce off each other really well.” He added, “I would have wanted to play Sundance. I feel more at ease with that cooled-out feeling. I suppose that’s the straightforward part!”
Redford was a rising star whose performance in the 1965 picture Inside Daisy Clover, co-starring Natalie Wood, earned him the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year.
Newman had already achieved celebrity status with roles in films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) and Cool Hand Luke (1967).
Steve McQueen declined roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Dirty Harry (1971), The French Connection (1971), and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), leading to the casting of Redford, who starred alongside Newman, who was receiving accolades for his acting and directing.
According to Newman’s memoir, “The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir,” the two actors were not particularly close at the time.
Newman stated, “You cannot rely on Redford. You never know whether he’ll be there. That’s plain disrespectful.”
Newman’s youngest daughter, Claire Newman Soderlund, whom he fathered with his second wife, Joanne Woodward, believes their disagreements stemmed from different attitudes toward work.
She explained, “My father was a stickler for timing, and Bob was never particularly proficient at it. It was tedious labor for Dad. He worked very hard because he wanted to be wealthy and successful, whereas Bob was a free spirit.”
When Newman died of lung disease in 2008, Redford, now 86, told ABC News, “It was just the connection of playing those characters and the fun of it that really began the relationship,” referring to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. “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,” Redford said.
After portraying renowned outlaws and then cons in The Sting, Newman and Redford discussed collaborating on a third picture, but it never materialized.
It almost occurred in A Walk in the Woods, the 2015 film version of Bill Bryson’s 1998 novel of the same title. Another buddy movie, the plot revolves around two out-of-shape elderly guys and their desire to travel the difficult Appalachian Trail.
Redford, who acted and produced the film, chose this script in 2005 with his real-life friend Newman in mind.
In an interview with Yahoo in 2015, Redford stated, “It all started with Paul, since Paul and I were searching for a third feature to make together. A long period had passed, and I couldn’t find it. When I read this novel, I immediately thought of Paul.
Redford, who was 79 at the time of the interview, stated that he gave the book to Newman, who wasn’t certain he could manage the physical demands of the role. Nick Nolte ultimately received the part.
Since their debut picture, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the relationship between Newman and Redford, both highly recognized performers, has grown significantly.
The performers became like brothers and lived in Connecticut, just one mile apart, with close families.
Speaking after his friend died, Redford stated, “We both got to know each other’s flaws pretty well.” Of course, I outnumbered him in that regard. Knowing each other’s shortcomings, we simply played them to the fullest and tried to mislead one another. We’d attempt to surprise each other, and it was so much fun that it became almost like a situation in itself.”
He went on to say, “Paul enjoys having fun and laughing, especially at his own jokes, which are sometimes rather bad. The fact that he appreciated them so much made you forget about the joke and start laughing with him, as you became engrossed in his appreciation.
Playing the timeless combo, Paul Newman and Robert Redford had incredible chemistry! Tell us about their on-screen connection and real-life buddy love!