I was four when my dad first showed me “The Natural,” Robert Redford’s 1984 classic film about a middle-aged baseball player making a comeback. I don’t remember that first viewing, but I remember the dozens of times after and the impact it had on me.

My dad’s love of history, movies and stories of redemption became the backdrop of my childhood, and somewhere between Redford’s effortless charm and his commitment to real storytelling, my admiration for actor and director Robert Redford took root.

Years later, I saw “The Sting” on 35mm at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. With popcorn, Raisinets and whatever off-brand dreck they serve in place of my beloved Diet Coke, I sat enraptured by Redford’s portrayal of Johnny Hooker, a small-time con artist.

He stars alongside Paul Newman, and somehow, even with all of Newman’s legendary charisma, Redford still manages to steal the scene. It is a colorful film with a fantastic score and even more fantastic performances that keep you gasping with twist after twist.

Redford passed Sept. 16, 2025, at his home in Utah. If you hadn’t heard of Redford before his passing, now is the time to brush up on your knowledge in his honor.

If you’re starting your journey into Redford’s filmography, begin with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” his breakthrough role. The film is a gripping tale of cowboys, train robberies and friendship. Redford shines as the sharpshooter Sundance Kid — both stylish and tragic.

This was his first time starring alongside Paul Newman. The duo’s chemistry is warm and funny, a blueprint for buddy films that would follow.

Then dive into one of my self-proclaimed foundational films, “All the President’s Men,” in which Redford plays Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward as he uncovers the Watergate scandal.

I watched it for the first time in middle school, and I remember feeling this strange mix of awe and urgency. It made journalism look both heroic and exhausting — and I wanted in. Something about the quiet persistence in the face of adversity struck me. Journalism wasn’t just about breaking a story — it was about protecting the truth.

“All the Presidents Men” sparked my interest in American politics and gave me a sense of duty, like telling stories could actually matter.

In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, planting the seed for what would grow into the Sundance Film Festival, the premiere launchpad for independent film in America.

The festival helped launch the careers of many filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler. At a time when Hollywood was obsessed with blockbusters and big-budget films, Redford believed in the power of telling smaller, riskier and more personal stories.

Thanks to Sundance, the world has been introduced to underrepresented voices and new perspectives.

Beyond the camera, Redford spent his life fighting for the planet and for social justice. Long before climate change became part of everyday vocabulary, he was championing environmental causes and producing documentaries about conservation. He’s spoken out in support of Native American rights, civil liberties and government accountability.

In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded Redford the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing him not just as a legendary actor but as a cultural force for good.

Loving Robert Redford is loving a certain kind of old-school elegance — loving the idea that movies can change minds and that art can be activism.

So yes, I’ve watched “The Natural” more times than I can count — but I’ve also watched “Three Days of the Condor” and cried over “Out of Africa.” Each time, I come away reminded that Redford isn’t just a movie star. He’s a storyteller, a world builder and a fantastic underdog story.

If you’ve never given Robert Redford a chance, now’s the time. The world may have lost a bright star, but his legacy isn’t going anywhere — and you can be part of keeping it alive.

Start with a classic, explore Sundance’s indie gems or plunge into his decades of environmental work.

You don’t need to be a film buff or a performative male to fall for him — just start watching.

Before you know it, you might find yourself — like me — a huge fan.