The passing of Robert Redford had me thinking a few things. One: I really, really need to go watch some of his movies (TCM better get a marathon ready). Two: he’s someone who deserves all the memorials–the moments of silence in workplaces, sporting events, and even international parliaments, the tears and heartfelt words from “liberal allies” on social media, the references on how to better troubled young men, etc. And three: I’ve become so cynical over celebrities/public figures (especially the men!) these days that I have almost forgotten that there are/were some true real ones out there.

I don’t need my celebrity faves to me “good” or “nice”; I’d rather have them be real, genuine, even if they’re a little messy or known to be a “diva”. If they’re also nice, great. (I’ve followed celeb news long enough to know who the real nice ones are, and who’s got excellent PR.) Celebs, underneath it all, are humans, and I’m aware they’re gonna fuck up one way or another. And nothing amplifies a celeb fuckup than a celeb existing in the social media era. The bulk of Redford’s career happened way before social media, but there could’ve been some revealing tea spilled by someone who worked with him or knew him in the past. But from all the tributes I’ve read about him (so far), it’s surprisingly drama-free. And I’ve yet to see a single moment of dubiousness from him. No offensive comments in interviews. No pics of him hanging out with MAGA clowns or vile beings. No faking the philanthropy. No abusive behavior (so throw those Brad Pitt comparisons out the damn door; did y’all forget he abused Angelina and her son?!). No spoiled brats for offspring. No moves that got me facepalming. No need for a public image rehab because he’s always been cool. I’ve seen some “nice” celebs that have done one of those things and while I still like them, I’m not foolish to think they’re saints, let alone nice. But Redford? Talk about a real diamond in the rough. He’s seemed like Mr. Rogers, but more gritty and sultry. And here’s one fun tidbit: in Jackie Collins’ Lucky (one of my all-time favorite books), the male lead Lennie Golden is inspired by the looks and attitude of Redford, and he gets the girl (the badass Lucky Santangelo) in the end.

There’s the cliched saying, in regards to celebrity, “they don’t make ’em like they used to”. But it’s true in Redford’s case. He was of that era when celebs had not just talent, charm, and looks, but were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in, regardless of the outcome. Jane Fonda and her politics. Elizabeth Taylor being an activist for HIV/AIDS awareness and supporting the gay community during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. For Redford, he once opposed the development of a coal-fired power plant in a Utah town in the 70s, and the locals there burned an effigy of him, with one calling him “skunkman”. He was also openly critical over Nixon and a guy most definitely on the Epstein list. He was trying to do good and speak truth and some smooth brains still gave him shit. Simply put, he was a real one, and you don’t see many real ones out there in La La Land these days. 

Rest peacefully, Robert. You’ll be remembered well. And at least none of us will get fired for quoting you in remembrance. 🕯️🌹