Alec Baldwin disclosed that Robert Redford sent him an unexpected letter expressing sympathy after the tragic Rust shooting incident. The message arrived following the legal resolution of the case surrounding the 2021 on-set accident in New Mexico that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
In an Instagram video posted on September 16, Baldwin, 67, described receiving the letter from Redford once the case was dismissed. Baldwin relayed that the letter contained words of comfort and encouragement during a difficult time.
“When I went through all of what I went through and had to deal with all that in New Mexico, I got a letter when it was over, when it was dismissed and so forth,”
Baldwin said.
“I got a letter from Bob Redford. Unsolicited.”
According to Baldwin, Redford wrote,
“I’m so glad this turned out this way, I’m so sorry [for] what you had to go through,”
a message Baldwin described as
“the loveliest letter from Robert Redford.”
Background on the Rust Incident and Legal Proceedings
The letter reference relates to the Rust filming accident where Baldwin was handling a prop gun that discharged live ammunition, killing Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the incident.
Following the tragedy, Baldwin faced criminal charges that were ultimately dropped in July 2024 due to alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Later that year, a judge ruled that Baldwin’s manslaughter case would not be reopened, despite efforts from prosecutors to revive the charges.
Tributes Pour In for Robert Redford from Fellow Actors
The renowned actor Robert Redford passed away at the age of 89 on a recent Tuesday, with no cause of death publicly shared. Many stars paid tribute to him, including Barbra Streisand, who co-starred with Redford in the 1973 film The Way We Were. Streisand posted a heartfelt message on Instagram reflecting on their time together.
“Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,”
Streisand wrote alongside a photo with Redford.
“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.”
She went on to describe Redford’s compelling personality and their fond relationship:
“Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting — and one of the finest actors ever. 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.”
Jane Fonda, who appeared alongside Redford in multiple films, also expressed deep sorrow. She shared,
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying.”
Fonda continued,
“He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
Impact of Baldwin’s and Others’ Tributes in the Wake of Redford’s Passing
Robert Redford’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief in the entertainment community, highlighting the profound influence he had both as an actor and a cultural figure. Baldwin’s revealing of Redford’s letter not only sheds light on the personal support he received but also underscores the close connections and mutual respect among actors facing complex challenges.
As Baldwin continues to move forward from the Rust tragedy, the public acknowledgment of Redford’s letter emphasizes solidarity within the industry during moments of crisis and loss. Meanwhile, the memories and tributes from colleagues like Streisand and Fonda will likely contribute to preserving Redford’s legacy for future generations.
