RENAISSANCE MAN (REMEMBERING ROBERT REDFORD)
Actor, writer, producer, director, activist - sometimes it seemed like there was nothing Robert Redford couldn't do. As a screen actor, he was unquestionaly charismatic and, like his good friend Paul Newman, beneath the good looks was an actor of considerable intelligence and skill. Redford was also an Oscar winning director, often bringing hefty dramatic stories to the big screen. But his greatest contribution to cinema was the helping hand he gave to other talent. As one of the brains behind the Sundance Institute and its film festivals, he provided a launch pad for directors like Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, David O Russell, Kevin Smith, Damian Chazelle and Jordan Peele. But he was also an ardent campaigner for environmental and LGBT causes. Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford's family had English, Scotch Irish and Irish ancestry. His father Charles was an accountant and was married before he met his mother Martha. He also had a step brother, Willi...