Robert Redford died a week ago.  He was an acclaimed actor, a devoted philanthropist and an all-round lovely human being.

Robert is being mourned by millions.  Other Hollywood actors have expressed their sorrow:

Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting – and one of the finest actors ever.  He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.  (Barbra Streisand)

I can’t stop crying.  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.  (Jane Fonda)

[Robert was] that rare person where what you see is what you get.  The decency he projected in his movies was genuine.  (Dustin Hoffman)

Beyond the world of fame, others expressed their grief.  Todd Sherrod, in his response to a Facebook post about Robert, spoke for the ages.  Listen to the spirit within the words …

Redford was a true artist, great actor, and a truly remarkable human being.  He was about something, and didn’t seem to get caught up in all the Hollywood nonsense.  He’s what they call a dying breed. 

My friends and I grew up in a time when the pictures were transformative, edgy, daring and brutally honest (1970’s).  That whole class of actors … Pacino, Nicholson, De Niro, Fonda, Redgrave, Beatty, Hoffman, Caine, Streep, Eastwood, Duvall.  It’s sometimes hard to believe that most of the guys we watched on the big screen in those days are now in their upper 80’s, and in some case 90’s.  Where did all the time go, I often ask.

But the memories are resplendent, echoing the times of our youth, simply sitting in a darkened theater and being captivated by such tremendous performances from these great actors .  I’ll never forget the times and the excitement placed upon our hearts, and the influences they had on me.  It was powerful, and I am forever grateful to have come along during those times!

RIP Mr. Redford!

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Todd speaks … I listen

You speak … I listen

I speak … you listen

May it always be so