Alec Baldwin Reveals Robert Redford's Unprompted Support Following Rust Tragedy
Alec Baldwin offered a video homage to the recently deceased Robert Redford, revealing that the legendary performer had extended his backing following the fatal Rust shooting incident that claimed the life of Halyna Hutchins.
“After navigating the entirety of my experience and addressing everything in New Mexico, I received correspondence once the matter concluded, when it was dismissed and the like,” the 67-year-old Baldwin stated in a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, September 16. “I received a letter from Bob Redford. Completely unprompted.
Baldwin recounted that Redford conveyed his satisfaction with the outcome and offered commiserations for the ordeal Baldwin endured.
“He remarked, ‘I am truly pleased this resolved as it did, I am deeply regretful [for] what you were compelled to undergo,’” Baldwin recounted. “I received the most gracious message from Robert Redford.”
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Baldwin’s comments pertained to the 2021 on-set shooting during the production of his film Rust, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Hutchins and injuries to director Joel Souza. The actor, known for 30 Rock, was handling a prop firearm, not intended to contain live ammunition, which discharged while filming. The acclaimed performer maintained his innocence regarding the events.
Subsequently, Baldwin was indicted with criminal charges concerning the event, however, the proceedings were dismissed in July 2024, citing alleged impropriety by the prosecution. That October, a judicial decision affirmed that his involuntary manslaughter case would not be reinstated, notwithstanding the prosecution’s appeals.
The award-winning actor joined numerous other celebrities in commemorating Redford, whose passing occurred on Tuesday at 89 years old. (The reason for his death remains undisclosed.)
Barbra Streisand, Redford’s costar in the 1973 film The Way We Were, posted an emotional homage to her erstwhile colleague on Instagram.
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“Each day on the set of The Way We Were brought exhilaration, intensity, and sheer delight,” the 83-year-old Oscar recipient penned next to an image featuring Redford. “We embodied such contrasts: he hailed from equestrian circles; I, conversely, had an allergy to them! Nevertheless, we continually sought to understand one another better, much like our on-screen counterparts.”
She added, “Bob possessed charisma, intellect, intensity, and perpetual intrigue — truly among the greatest actors of all time. Our final meeting, when he joined me for lunch, involved a conversation about art, and we resolved to exchange our initial sketches. He was unique, and I am profoundly thankful for the chance to have collaborated with him.”
Jane Fonda, who shared the screen with Redford in multiple cinematic productions, expressed that she was inconsolable following his passing.
“The news of Bob’s departure struck me profoundly this morning. I find myself unable to cease weeping,” the 87-year-old star of Klute conveyed to Us Weekly in a declaration issued on Tuesday. “He held immense significance for me and was an exquisite individual in every aspect. He embodied an ideal America that we must persist in striving to achieve.”
