Robert Redford and Paul Newman: A Rare Hollywood Friendship

In Hollywood, friendships often fade once the cameras stop rolling. But Robert Redford and Paul Newman shared a bond that was anything but ordinary. The two legends not only starred together in some of cinema’s most iconic films, but also built a personal relationship filled with loyalty, humor, and playful pranks.

Their story began in the late 1960s and carried on for decades. They didn’t work together often, yet their connection remained legendary. It was a friendship that thrived outside the spotlight, setting an example of respect and affection that outlasted their on-screen roles.

From fast cars to heartfelt gestures, the duo forged one of the most memorable Hollywood “bromances” long before the word existed.

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A Birthday Gift Like No Other

In January 1975, Paul Newman turned 50. His good friend Robert Redford decided the milestone deserved something unforgettable. Instead of a traditional present, he came up with a mischievous plan involving Newman’s love for cars.

Newman had become passionate about racing after admiring Redford’s rare Porsche 904. Tired of hearing about nothing but engines and speed, Redford staged a prank. He found a wrecked Porsche, wrapped it in a bow, and had it delivered to Newman’s home.

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Weeks later, Redford received a massive wooden box. Inside was the same Porsche, now crushed into a cube. Never to be outdone, he turned it into a garden sculpture and placed it in Newman’s yard. They never spoke about it again — proof their humor needed no words.

A Partnership Born on Screen

The pair first met in 1968 when director George Roy Hill introduced them for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. At the time, Newman was already a superstar, while Redford was still carving his path in Hollywood.

The studio wanted a bigger name to play opposite Newman, considering Steve McQueen and Warren Beatty before rejecting Redford. Newman, however, stood by him. He insisted Redford was the right choice and fought for his casting.

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That loyalty changed Redford’s career forever. Their roles as Butch and Sundance became iconic, and their partnership launched one of the greatest buddy films ever made.

Beyond Butch and Sundance

After their Western success, the two reunited for 1973’s The Sting. Though they only starred together twice, both films became instant classics of the New Hollywood era.

Off camera, their friendship continued to grow. Redford even moved to Connecticut to be closer to Newman. They bonded over theater backgrounds, irreverent humor, and a shared American acting style built on wit and one-upmanship.

It wasn’t about constant collaboration, but rather mutual respect and a love of ribbing each other that kept their connection alive.

Legendary Pranks and Letters

The crushed Porsche wasn’t the only time their humor shined. Redford once shared a hilarious letter Newman wrote as a reference for him while applying for a New York apartment.

The letter read: “Mr. Robert Redford has owed me 120 bucks for over three years. He will not assume his obligation under threat of loss of friendship, honor, loyalty. I cannot in good conscience recommend him for anything.”

That mix of playful teasing and affection summed up their friendship. They laughed at each other’s flaws but always with warmth and admiration.

Giving Back in Different Ways

Their connection went beyond jokes and acting. Both men devoted themselves to philanthropy. Newman created Newman’s Own, a food brand donating all profits to charity, and founded camps for children with serious illnesses.

Redford, meanwhile, built the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, giving independent filmmakers a platform. Their different projects carried the same spirit of generosity.

It showed how both stars, despite their fame, never lost sight of using success to help others.

A Friendship That Endured

Redford hoped to share the screen with Newman one more time in A Walk in the Woods, but Newman’s declining health made it impossible. Still, the desire showed how deeply he valued their partnership.

Even without a third film, their bond was already sealed in Hollywood history. They weren’t just co-stars but lifelong friends who respected and uplifted each other.

Their story remains one of the rare examples where fame and ego never overshadowed friendship. For Redford and Newman, the legacy wasn’t just in the movies — it was in the loyalty they carried for each other.