As soon as the news broke that Hollywood legend Robert Redford had died at age 89 on September 16, 2025, tributes from countless celebrities began to roll in for the actor and director. But Hallmark Channel star Ashley Williams took her time to grieve Redford’s passing and reflect on his impact on her life.
On September 19, she shared in a touching social media tribute that she and her husband, filmmaker Neal Dodson, bonded with Redford when Dodson produced his 2013 movie “All is Lost.” Williams called the four months they spent living and filming in Baja, Mexico, “a major chapter” in their life and the beginning of a beautiful connection with Redford.
Ashley Williams Sweetly Says of Robert Redford: ‘Bob REALLY Loved Me’
Sharing many behind-the-scenes photos from the set of “All is Lost,” Williams wrote, “Bob loved Neal, who produced the movie, and had a great relationship with him, but I gotta brag for a second: Bob REALLY loved me. He always remembered my name, gave me a hug, asked how I was doing. He made jokes and recommended restaurants.”
Williams continued, “When he met my dad, (who sat in his chair all day when he came to visit) they talked journalism and the NYtimes— my father’s dream. He was an old fashioned movie star and I was his number one fan.”
Redford was the only actor in “All is Lost,” playing a veteran mariner on a solo voyage in the Indian Ocean whose vessel takes on water after a collision with a stray shipping container. Only 51 words are spoken in the critically acclaimed movie, per the BBC.
Recalling the overwhelming response after the film debuted at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Williams wrote in her post, “I stood for 12 minutes at Cannes the night the movie premiered as wave upon wave of ovation and applause reigned over Neal, Bob, and his team. There was nothing to do but keep saying “wow” and wipe pride tears from my face, which just kept coming.”
Williams, who shares two sons with Dodson, also recalled Redford’s kindness when they first became parents to son Gus in December 2020.
“When I had my first baby,” she wrote, “Bob sent a silver rattle and a note: ‘Dear Neal & Ashley — And Gus — Congratulations. This will add a positive and new dimension to your lives. You’ll see. ❤️ – Redford’
Ashley Williams Says Robert Redford Impacted Her Outlook on Life
GettyIn addition to sharing some of her sweet memories with Redford, Williams shared how the icon’s outlook on life impacted her and Dodson’s perspectives.
“Upon hearing of his passing, I’ve found myself reflecting on his presence in our lives and the new dimension he added to the story of Neal and my life together,” Williams wrote. “It’s deeper, more humble, encourages adventure and risk, and ultimately encourages us to find more peace in the concept of life, afterlife, and god itself. We are forever changed. And grateful. RIP, Redford.”
Many fans and friends expressed surprise over Williams’ little-known bond with Redford and thanked the actress and director for sharing.
Her “Jingle Bell Run” co-star Andrew Walker wrote, “Such a beautiful tribute Ashley to a lovely lovely human being. They don’t make them like this anymore.”
“Beautiful tribute, Ashley,” one of Williams’ followers wrote. “Thank you for sharing this glimpse into who Robert Redford was as a person – a human being, a colleague and a friend. ♥️”
“Oh, I love what you wrote,” someone else wrote. “What an honor to have known him. You did frame that baby rattle and note, right? Lol 😂.” Williams adorably replied, “You know it 😍”
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