The world is mourning the passing of Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and activist, who died at 89 in his Utah home on September 16. For Scarlett Johansson, this loss is deeply personal, as Redford was both an enduring inspiration and a close friend throughout her career. Johansson shared her experience working with Redford during an interview with Variety on September 7, highlighting how his mentorship profoundly shaped her approach to acting and directing.
Redford’s ability to balance his roles in front of and behind the camera inspired Johansson to follow a similar path. Observing Redford on the set of 1998’s The Horse Whisperer was a pivotal moment for her, revealing the dedication required for both acting and directing.
Early Lessons on The Horse Whisperer Set
At just 13 years old, Johansson took on the challenging role of Grace MacLean, a young girl grappling with trauma after an accident injures her horse. The film’s story follows Grace and her mother, Annie MacLean—played by Kristin Scott Thomas—as they relocate to a Montana ranch where Tom Booker, the horse whisperer portrayed by Redford, helps with healing both the horse and the family.
Johansson credits her time working with Redford on this film as formative. She recalled how witnessing him direct and act simultaneously offered her a glimpse into the professional dedication required in the field. This experience helped her transition mentally from simply being a child actor to truly understanding the responsibilities involved in the craft.
At a very young age, experiencing him as my director was really transformative for me,
Johansson said.
I actually understood, yeah, this is like a job. There’s a moment where you go from being a kid actor to being an actor where you start to understand the work.
– Scarlett Johansson, Actress
The Significance of Redford’s Impact on Johansson’s Career
Robert Redford’s guidance during Johansson’s early career left a lasting impression, influencing her decision to explore directing alongside acting. Her reflections emphasize how exposure to Redford’s dedication helped her realize the depth of creative work behind the scenes. This legacy of mentorship highlights Redford’s broader impact on the industry beyond his performances.
As Johansson continues to develop her craft, her recognition of Redford’s role in shaping her journey underscores the importance of experienced artists nurturing emerging talent. This connection signals how powerful such influence can be in fostering new voices in cinema.
