Actor Ethan Hawke recently revisited a memorable moment from early in his career involving the legendary Robert Redford, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The conversation centered on Hawke’s experience auditioning for Redford’s 1992 film, A River Runs Through It, highlighting the emotional complexity of what is now seen as a pivotal event in his life. The story of the Robert Redford audition rejection reveals the challenges Hawke faced as a young actor striving to make his mark in Hollywood.
The Pressure and Preparation Behind the Audition
Hawke shared that the audition came shortly after his breakthrough role in the 1989 film The Dead Poets Society, which helped him secure a chance to work with Redford. The film focused on two brothers, Norman and Paul, growing up in Montana during the turbulent times of World War I and the Great Depression, with roles played by Craig Sheffer and Brad Pitt. Preparing for the audition, Hawke memorized a lengthy speech, describing it as challenging and exhausting.
“I get this little speech I’m supposed to memorize and it’s really long — it’s like, a page and a half long — and I stay up all night working on this speech,”
he recounted.
A Nerve-Wracking Meeting with Redford
Arriving early and ready, Hawke entered the room where he was greeted warmly by Redford, who acknowledged knowing both his name and hometown. This personal introduction rattled Hawke’s focus as he felt the full weight of the moment.
“He knew my name and he knew where I was from. My brain started to break,”
Hawke said. The environment only added to the tension; Redford’s walls were adorned with memorabilia from his iconic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Downhill Racer, The Candidate, and Jeremiah Johnson. When Redford asked if he was ready to perform, Hawke admitted to being starstruck and requested a brief moment to collect himself, which Redford graciously allowed, asking him to return the next day.
The Unexpected Delay and Its Emotional Toll
Hawke described the experience of being sent away as “absolute torture,” given the effort he had put into preparing. Arriving the following day, he was able to complete the audition successfully. Redford, revealing his actor’s insight, explained his audition process of giving actors a second chance to demonstrate their capabilities.
“I always give actors a second chance. I give ‘em some notes and I let ‘em try it one more time to see what they’re made of, but you nailed it,”
Redford told him. Despite this encouragement, Redford informed Hawke that he was too young for the part and that he would not be cast.
The Immediate Impact of the Rejection
Although the rejection was delivered kindly and with compliments, Hawke experienced mixed emotions.
“I walked out of there kind of stunned… because he’s an actor, he knew he just saved me weeks and weeks of worrying,”
Hawke explained. The directness of the rejection was both painful and honest, leaving Hawke unsure whether to feel validated or disappointed.
“He said I’m going to have a real career, [but] I didn’t get the part. I couldn’t be sure whether I felt good or bad,”
he admitted.
A Surprising Visit After the Audition
A few months after the audition, Hawke was performing in a small Off-Off-Broadway theater in New York City when Robert Redford unexpectedly attended a showing. Hawke was unaware of Redford’s presence until the actor came backstage to offer words of encouragement. Redford praised Hawke’s performance and urged him to continue on his path, saying,
“Good job, I tell you, keep doing what you’re doing, it’s gonna go great.”
This gesture helped to reaffirm Hawke’s confidence and marked the beginning of a lasting connection between the two actors.
Enduring Friendship and Final Words from Redford
Over the years, Hawke and Redford maintained contact. Hawke recalled the last conversation they had around 18 months ago, when Redford jokingly advised him to stop wearing a cowboy hat so people wouldn’t think he was losing his hair. Reflecting on Redford’s legacy, Hawke emphasized his respect for Redford not only as a celebrated actor and filmmaker but also as a compassionate and principled individual.
“It was a leadership in not just my life, but in my entire community’s life,”
Hawke said, praising Redford’s commitment to using his influence responsibly.
“And when you do the good that you have the power to do — that’s all any of us have to do. And I thought he led his life by example.”
The Influence of Redford and Paul Newman on Hawke’s Career
Hawke also expressed admiration for Redford and his close friend Paul Newman, highlighting their impact as role models of American masculinity who leveraged their success to empower others. He noted that both men profoundly affected his outlook and career. Hawke recalled Redford’s support for his own film Before Sunrise, which initially received little attention.
“When Before Sunrise came out and nobody liked it, you know who liked it? Robert Redford liked it. And he used it to open the 1995 Sundance Film Festival. He was a champion of other people and he understood how to use his power to empower others.”
These experiences underscore the significant role Redford played beyond his film achievements, influencing a generation of actors and filmmakers through mentorship and genuine encouragement.
Legacy of a Hollywood Legend
Robert Redford’s passing at 89 last week prompted many reflections on his storied career and personal character. Through Hawke’s heartfelt memories, the audience gains insight into Redford’s spirit as both an artist and a mentor, revealing how his honest approach to the acting profession and his generosity toward others shaped those around him. The story of the Robert Redford audition rejection illustrates not only the harsh realities young actors face but also the possibility of unexpected kindness and lasting inspiration that can emerge from those moments. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Redford’s legacy as a true leader and supporter of emerging talent remains influential and deeply respected.
