15 Iconic Photos Of Young Robert Redford That Defined 1970s American Style

The enduring appeal of Robert Redford’s young photos is more than just a nostalgic look back at a Hollywood heartthrob; it’s a masterclass in timeless American style and cinematic magnetism. As of late 2025, discussions around the legendary actor and director often pivot back to his golden era, specifically the late 1960s and the entire 1970s, a period where his on-screen presence and off-screen persona blurred to create a cultural icon. These images—from candid behind-the-scenes shots to meticulously crafted publicity stills—capture the essence of the "American New Wave" cinema and the rugged, yet sophisticated, aesthetic that defined a generation. The fascination with *young Robert Redford pictures* stems from his unique ability to embody the laid-back, outdoor-oriented spirit of the West while maintaining a sharp, intellectual edge. His roles in classics like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, *The Sting*, and *All the President's Men* solidified his status, but it was the photography of the era—often capturing him in simple denim, leather, or a perfectly tailored tweed jacket—that cemented his place as a perennial style reference.

Robert Redford: A Complete Biography and Profile

Charles Robert Redford Jr. was born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. His life was a journey from aspiring artist and athlete to one of the most respected figures in American cinema. Here is a detailed look at the man behind the iconic photos:

• Full Name: Charles Robert Redford Jr.
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1936
• Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
• Spouse(s): Lola Van Wagenen (m. 1958; div. 1985), Sibylle Szaggars (m. 2009)
• Children: Shauna Redford, Jamie Redford (deceased), Amy Redford, Scott Anthony Redford (deceased)
• Education: University of Colorado Boulder (briefly, on a baseball scholarship), Pratt Institute (Art), American Academy of Dramatic Arts (Acting)
• Major Career Milestones:
  • Began his career on television in the late 1950s, appearing in anthology series like *Alfred Hitchcock Presents* and *The Twilight Zone*.
  • Broke through on Broadway in *Barefoot in the Park* (1963), a role he reprised for the 1967 film adaptation.
  • Achieved superstardom with *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969) alongside Paul Newman.
  • Won the Academy Award for Best Director for *Ordinary People* (1980).
  • Founded the Sundance Institute (1981) and the Sundance Film Festival, becoming a champion for independent cinema.
  • Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).
• Known For: His distinctive good looks, "Golden Boy" persona, environmental activism, and dedication to independent filmmaking.

The Golden Era: Why Redford’s 1970s Photos Are Timeless

The vast majority of the most beloved "young Robert Redford" images were captured between 1969 and 1976, coinciding with his peak as a box-office star. This period was crucial, as it saw him transition from a promising actor to a bona fide cultural phenomenon. His roles were perfectly aligned with the era's mood: anti-establishment, stylishly cynical, and deeply American.

In 1969, *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* made him a household name, instantly pairing him with the legendary Paul Newman. The photos from this production—often featuring him in Western-inspired attire—showcased a rugged, yet playful, charm. He was 32 years old at the time, and the images captured a man at the height of his physical and creative power.

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The early 1970s brought roles that gave photographers endless material. In 1973, he starred in two major hits: *The Way We Were* with Barbra Streisand, where he played the WASP-y, effortlessly cool Hubbell Gardiner, and *The Sting* (reuniting with Newman), where he played the young con artist, Johnny Hooker. The photographs from *The Sting* often show him in classic 1930s-style suits and fedoras, a departure from his usual casual look, yet still exuding pure confidence.

One of the most revealing photo sets comes from a 1969 LIFE magazine article, featuring rare and classic photographs by John Dominis. These images provided a glimpse into the private life of the rising star, often showing him in natural, unposed settings, which only amplified his authentic appeal and cemented the image of the "genuine American maverick."

The Robert Redford Style Blueprint: Casual Elegance and the Anti-Glamour Look

Robert Redford was not just a handsome actor; he was a sartorial force who redefined menswear in the 1970s. His style—often captured in those iconic young pictures—was a deliberate move away from the flashy, overly formal Hollywood glamour of previous decades. This "anti-glamour" stance is a key reason why his photos remain so relevant today.

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He became a symbol for understated elegance, favoring relaxed, uncomplicated outfits that reflected his own outdoor, environmentalist leanings. This was the essence of the "Redford Look," which helped define the aesthetic of the 1970s American male.

Key Style Entities from His Young Photos:

• The Tweed Jacket: A staple of his intellectual roles, such as Hubbell Gardiner in *The Way We Were*, often paired with a simple button-down shirt.
• The Aviator Sunglasses: An essential accessory, giving him an air of cool detachment and mystery, a look he perfected in films like *Three Days of the Condor* (1975).
• Denim and Leather: Reflecting his Western roots and his work on films like *Jeremiah Johnson* (1972), he often wore rugged leather jackets, denim shirts, and jeans, embodying a masculine, yet sensitive, persona.
• The Turtleneck Sweater: A simple, effective alternative to a tie, the turtleneck became synonymous with his casual, sophisticated look, perfect for the ski slopes of Sundance or a dramatic close-up.
• The Unstructured Blazer: Unlike the stiff suits of the past, Redford favored softer, unstructured tailoring, allowing him to flit between "macho tradition and 70s casualness."

His casual elegance and outdoor-oriented style made him one of the most photographed men of his era. He wasn't just wearing clothes; he was projecting a lifestyle that was aspirational—a blend of rugged individualism and intellectual depth. This curated image, captured in countless photographs, is why his young pictures continue to inspire fashion designers and enthusiasts today.

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Beyond the Looks: The Context of Robert Redford's Stardom

The power of Redford’s young photos is inextricably linked to the context of his career. He wasn't just a leading man; he was a producer, director, and the founder of a major cultural institution. This depth provided a serious foundation beneath the "incandescently handsome star" image.

His role as journalist Bob Woodward in *All the President's Men* (1976) showed a star willing to tackle complex, politically charged material, adding gravitas to his public image. The photographs from this era often show him in a more serious, focused light—the epitome of the engaged, thoughtful American citizen.

The legacy of these young pictures is not merely about aesthetic appeal. They document the rise of a Hollywood legend who used his platform to champion independent film through the Sundance Institute. Every photo from that golden era is a snapshot of a man who was simultaneously the biggest movie star in the world and a dedicated environmental pioneer, a duality that makes the images of young Robert Redford forever fascinating and eternally stylish.