
Scarlett Johansson has opened up about the profound influence Robert Redford had on her career and life. The Black Widow star worked alongside the Hollywood icon in the 1998 film, The Horse Whisperer, when she was just 11 years old. Reflecting on their time together, Scarlett praised Redford's warmth and kindness, revealing how he taught her "what acting could be."
"Bob Redford cast me in the Horse Whisperer when I was 11 years old. Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story," she told Entertainment Weekly.
Scarlett described Redford's on-set environment as "calm and precious," a place where actors could truly explore their craft. His patience and generosity inspired her to delve deeper into acting, a gift she remains "forever grateful" for.
The news of Redford's passing at age 89 has deeply affected many of his colleagues, including Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand. Fonda, who starred with him in several films, admitted she was unable to "stop crying" upon hearing the news.
"It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone," the 87-year-old actress shared. "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."
Streisand, who worked with Redford in the 1973 classic The Way We Were, fondly remembered him as "one of the finest actors ever." She took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the joy and excitement of working with him, highlighting his charisma and intelligence.
Robert Redford's influence extends beyond his acting. Scarlett Johansson acknowledges his role in fostering a community of filmmakers through Sundance, a testament to his love for the art. "Bob taught me what acting could be," she said, emphasizing his impact on her journey and that of many others.
The legacy of Robert Redford, as celebrated by Johansson, Fonda, and Streisand, is one of inspiration, grace, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. As Johansson concluded in her tribute, "You inspired so many artists, me included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful."