Barbra Streisand expressed deep admiration for Robert Redford following news of his passing on September 16, 2025. The Oscar-winning actor and director died peacefully at his Utah home at age 89. Streisand shared a nostalgic black-and-white photo from their iconic 1973 film, The Way We Were, and reflected on their time together while honoring his legacy.
The Robert Redford tribute Streisand offered highlighted the strong connection they forged during filming and the lasting impression he made on her both as a colleague and a friend.
Barbra Streisand’s Fond Memories of Working with Robert Redford
Streisand recalled their days on set as full of excitement and joy, emphasizing how their differences created a dynamic similar to the characters they portrayed. Despite coming from distinct worlds—Redford with his love for horses, which Streisand was allergic to—they continually sought to understand one another better.
Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,
she shared.
We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie. Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting — and one of the finest actors ever.
– Barbra Streisand
The pair’s rapport extended beyond the film. When Redford visited Streisand for lunch recently, they exchanged thoughts on art and agreed to share their first drawings with each other, a testament to their creative bond.
The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings. He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.
– Barbra Streisand
What Drew Barbra Streisand to Robert Redford Initially
In her 2023 memoir, My Name Is Barbra, Streisand explained that she first saw Redford in the light comedy Barefoot in the Park from 1967, considering him “perfectly passable” in the role. However, it was his performance in the 1966 drama This Property Is Condemned, directed by Sydney Pollack, that revealed his complexity and depth.
I saw there was a lot going on behind those crystal blue eyes,
Streisand wrote. She emphasized that her attraction wasn’t rooted in his looks—she noted she was not typically drawn to blond-haired, blue-eyed men—but in his compelling and enigmatic presence.
I did think he was very handsome … a wonderful jawline … great teeth. But what intrigued me most about Bob was his complexity. You never quite know what he’s thinking, and that makes him fascinating to watch on screen.
Streisand praised Redford’s subtlety and restraint, qualities she said are defining traits of the greatest movie stars and that keep audiences engaged.
Like the greatest movie stars, Bob understands the power of restraint. You’re never going to get it all … and that’s the mystery … that’s what makes you want to keep looking at him.
– Barbra Streisand
Convincing Robert Redford to Accept His Role in ‘The Way We Were’
Initially hesitant, Redford declined the role of Hubbell Gardiner, believing his character was undeveloped and lacked depth. Streisand recounted that he considered the part “shallow and one-dimensional.” Determined to make Redford comfortable with the role, she urged director Sydney Pollack to revise the script to provide more substance to his character.
In Bob’s opinion, he was ‘shallow and one-dimensional,’
Streisand explained.
I wanted to make Bob happy, so I told Sydney, ‘Give him anything he wants. Write more scenes to strengthen his character. Make it equal.’
Despite her efforts, Redford initially refused again, but her persistence paid off when he finally accepted. Their authentic curiosity about each other is said to have translated into palpable on-screen chemistry.
Bob and I were genuinely curious about each other, and I believe that’s what comes across on screen,
Streisand noted.
Once he asked me about Brooklyn. What was it like growing up there? I guess he thought I was kind of exotic, but to me, he was the exotic one, growing up in California. Did he surf? Fish? Swim in the ocean after eating?
Robert Redford as the ‘Intellectual Cowboy’ in the Arts
During the 2002 honorary Oscar ceremony where she presented Redford with an award, Streisand described him as a unique blend of intellect and rugged charm. She admired his privacy, intelligence, and artistic dedication.
He’s always interesting. He’s always interested. He’s very smart, very private,
she said.
He’s self-assured, but shy, and I adored working with him. Robert Redford’s work as an actor, director and producer always represents the man himself, the intellectual, the artist, the cowboy.
– Barbra Streisand
She further praised Redford’s passion for storytelling that captures both the resilience and vulnerability of the American spirit. Streisand highlighted his commitment to collaborating closely with writers and noted the skillful subtlety and emotional depth that characterized his filmmaking.
He has a passion for telling stories that reflect the strengths and the vulnerabilities of the American spirit, our struggle to achieve what is highest in our nature, and though we don’t always succeed, Robert Redford films make certain that we celebrate the effort. Redford took charge of his own career from the very beginning, always working closely with writers. His work as an actor and as a director is always skillfully subtle, restrained and yet deeply emotional.
– Barbra Streisand
Memories from the First Day on ‘The Way We Were’ Set
At the 2015 Film Society of Lincoln Center Chaplin Award ceremony, Streisand reminisced about filming their opening scenes together. She shared a playful memory of hearing the crew shout her famous line from Funny Girl, “Hello, gorgeous,” only to realize it was directed at Redford instead.
[On the set the first day] I could hear the crew shouting out my opening lines from Funny Girl: ‘Hello, gorgeous.’ I was thrilled, I was flattered … and then I was very upset because they were talking to Bob,
she joked.
The Enduring Legacy of Robert Redford in Film and Life
Robert Redford’s passing marks the loss of an extraordinary figure in American cinema and culture. His collaborations with artists like Barbra Streisand brought to life stories that continue to resonate with audiences. Streisand’s tribute illustrates not only their professional partnership but the meaningful friendship they shared.
As admirers reflect on his remarkable career spanning acting, directing, and producing, Redford’s impact on the arts and American storytelling remains undeniable. His commitment to nuanced performances and heartfelt narratives ensures his influence will be felt for generations to come.
