Robert Redford Earned His Final Acting Credit 65 Years After His Very First
Robert Redford has died. The Hollywood Icon reportedly died early on September 16 at his home in Utah. The star, who was born in California, fell in love with Utah decades ago, inspiring the Sundance Film Festival. Despite spending his later years mostly in the Beehive State, Redford returned to Hollywood to work. His life was largely centered on acting, and his final filmed appearance was released 65 years after he first appeared on screen. Robert Redford’s last role aired just months ago.
Robert Redford’s last role was filmed just months before his death
Film icon Robert Redford last appeared on TV screens just months ago. The All The President’s Men star appeared in a brief cameo in Dark Winds, a project he was already closely tied to. The episode, the season 3 premiere, aired in March 2025. Redford portrayed an inmate. In the 30-second scene, Redford’s unnamed character quietly plays chess with another inmate, portrayed by George R. R. Martin. The scene was well-received. Fans loved seeing Redford appear on screen, no matter how briefly, while critics noted that even in under a minute, he brought gravitas and presence.
Following the appearance, Chris Eyre, who directed the episode, spoke to the New York Post about the experience. Eyre said Redford was kind, accommodating, and respectful of him as a director and filmmaker. He said the star insisted that Eyre’s vision be the focus of the scene, not his personal desires. Eyre reflected on the interaction, telling the publication, “I think what he wanted was to give me that right as a director and a filmmaker.” Eyre had previously connected with Redford years earlier and noted that he was “always generous.” Redford reportedly requested a closed set for the scene, working with just a few crew members and Martin.
His appearance on Dark Winds feels like a fitting final project. The famed actor served as an executive producer on the series and was enthusiastic about it. Dark Winds is a psychological thriller that premiered on AMC in 2022. The series follows Navajo police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate crimes with cultural and spiritual implications. Leaphorn is played by Zahn McClarnon, while Chee is portrayed by Kiowa Gordon.
The appearance came 65 years after his very first
Robert Redford’s decision to film a cameo six years after his last appearance on film was a surprising choice. While the actor remained relatively private in recent years, it was clear he was still drawn to Hollywood and film sets. It makes sense that it would be hard for him to walk away for good; the Hollywood Icon spent almost his entire life on a film set. His very first acting credit was earned 65 years before his final cameo.
While Robert Redford is best known for his film work, his very first acting credit actually came from a TV show. The icon appeared in a single episode of Maverick in 1960. The show focused on gamblers who traveled from town to town in search of a way to make money. Jack Kelly, James Garner, and Roger Moore starred in the longstanding series.
Redford appeared in a handful of other projects that same year, always in a small role and always on TV. His film career took off several years later with hits like Barefoot in the Park, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Way We Were. It’s certainly interesting that the star’s career, which was mostly built on movies, was bookended by TV appearances.
