Barbra Streisand Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Robert Redford Recalling Their 'Way We Were' Chemistry
Following the passing of Robert Redford, his The Way We Were costar, Barbra Streisand, posted a sincere homage.
“Filming The Way We Were was thrilling, demanding, and utterly delightful each day,” penned the 83-year-old Streisand next to a picture of her and Redford, uploaded to Instagram on Tuesday, September 16. “We were polar opposites: he was comfortable with horses; I had an allergy! Still, we continually sought to understand one another better, mirroring the film’s protagonists.”
Streisand's message went on, “Bob possessed charisma, intellect, intensity, and was perpetually captivating — truly among the greatest actors. Our last encounter, over lunch, involved a conversation about art, leading us to agree to exchange our initial sketches. He was unique, and I am incredibly thankful for the chance to collaborate with him. #RobertRedford.”
Redford passed away at his Sundance residence in the Utah mountains on Tuesday morning, as confirmed by his publicist, Cindi Berger, to The New York Times. Berger’s declaration to the publication stated that Redford “departed in the location he cherished, encompassed by loved ones.”
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A unique connection formed between Streisand and Redford following their collaboration on the 1973 film, The Way We Were. This romantic drama, helmed by Sydney Pollack, garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, notably a Best Actress recognition for Streisand's depiction of Katie Morosky, opposite Redford's Hubbell Gardiner.
In her 2023 autobiography, My Name Is Barbra, the actress reflected on her experience collaborating with Redford.
“For the role of Hubbell, I envisioned a specific performer … Robert Redford … who, as it turned out, was close with Sydney, making everything appear to align perfectly,” she recounted.
Streisand stated she was “attracted to him not for his looks … men with fair hair and light eyes were never my preference. I did consider him quite attractive … possessing a superb jawline … excellent teeth. However, what most captivated me about Bob was his intricacy. One can never fully grasp his thoughts, which renders him compelling to observe on film.”
Initially, Redford showed no interest in taking a lead role in the movie, declining the offer because he was worried “that the screenplay disproportionately centered on Katie, leaving Hubbell’s character insufficiently developed.”
Following considerable convincing, discussions about the terms “extended to the final moment” before Redford consented to the part. While Streisand was filming Up the Sandbox in Africa, she got a telegram from agent Sue Mengers. The message simply read: “Barbra Redford!”
“At that instant, I realized he'd ultimately agreed … and I was ecstatic,” Streisand recalled in her memoir. “The process of securing him was challenging, yet Bob's initial hesitation significantly shaped the screenplay, eventually leading to a more profound, engaging character.”
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Streisand recounted a telephone call she had with Redford preceding the movie’s half-century mark.
“Bob was delightful … transparent, pensive, and captivating, consistent with his nature,” she penned. “Our conversation spanned more than sixty minutes, covering subjects ranging from our collaboration on the movie to political views and creative works.”
Streisand recollected, “As we concluded our call, he stated, ‘I must leave, Babs. I cherish you deeply, and forever will’ … My response was, ‘I enjoy speaking with you,’ to which he replied, ‘I enjoy speaking with you. Always.’ It served as a tender affirmation that our bond from that film endures.”
