Barbra Streisand honored her longtime friend and co-star Robert Redford following his death on September 16 at age 89, sharing a touching Robert Redford Tribute on Instagram that resonated deeply with fans. Their celebrated chemistry in the iconic love story The Way We Were has continued to influence audiences, and Streisand’s memories revealed the genuine friendship behind their legendary on-screen relationship.
Streisand Recalls Their Unique Bond and Shared Experiences
Shortly after the news of Redford’s passing, Streisand posted a photograph of them as Katie and Hubbell, capturing the emotion behind their collaboration. She reflected openly on their differences and connection, saying,
“Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,”
highlighting the dynamic energy they shared.
Despite their contrasting backgrounds, with Redford having ties to the world of horses and Streisand being allergic to them, they forged a bond reminiscent of their characters’ complex relationship. Streisand described Redford as
“charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever.”
Their last meeting involved a conversation about art, where they promised to exchange their initial drawings, underscoring a personal rapport beyond the screen.
She concluded her tribute with gratitude:
“He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him,”
expressing the depth of respect and affection she held for Redford.
The Journey to Casting Robert Redford as Hubbell
In her 2023 memoir My Name Is Barbra, Streisand detailed the casting process for Hubbell, revealing Redford was her first choice for the role. She shared,
“I had a particular actor in mind for Hubbell…Robert Redford…who happened to be good friends with Sydney [Pollack], so everything seemed to be falling into place.”
Initially, Redford hesitated to accept the character, questioning the role’s depth.
Streisand recounted Redford’s early doubts:
“Bob asked Sydney, ‘Who is this guy? He’s just an object… He doesn’t want anything. What does this guy want? In Bob’s opinion, he was ‘shallow and one-dimensional. Not very real.’”
To address these concerns, the production hired writers to enrich the character, eventually convincing Redford to proceed.
Reflecting on their performances, Streisand remarked,
“I think it’s one of Bob’s best performances…and probably one of mine as well…and I’m thrilled whenever I see us listed as one of the screen’s most romantic couples.”
She emphasized the lasting legacy of their film, noting,
“We made something that will last a long time…much longer than most real marriages.”
The Enduring Influence of a Timeless On-Screen Partnership
The Robert Redford Tribute from Barbra Streisand underscores the impact their collaboration had on film history and popular culture. Their portrayal of Katie and Hubbell continues to inspire conversations about love’s complexities, sparking references in shows like Sex and the City, where Carrie compared her own relationship to theirs. Streisand’s heartfelt memories reveal not only a professional bond but a profound, lasting friendship that extended far beyond their cinematic roles.
As fans reflect on Redford’s remarkable career and the special connection between these two stars, Streisand’s words emphasize how their work together transcended time, leaving a legacy that will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
