Mark Ruffalo paid tribute to Robert Redford following the legendary actor, filmmaker, and political activist’s passing at the age of 89, posting a note he sent to Redford. And with that, he included a lengthy caption, highlighting how much Redford impacted the industry in the best way.
What Did The Letter Say?
Here is what Ruffalo’s letter to Redford said following news that he was ill.
“Dear Robert, I helped organize a reading of ‘All The President’s Men’ which we read as a fund raiser to save a beautiful old church and performing arts center next to Barney Greengrass, The Center At the Westpark Church, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Woodward and Bernstein came as special guests and we did a long and fascinating conversation with them afterwards,” he penned. “Bob and Carl talked about you getting the film made. They talked about your insistence on the importance of their story and their relationship and how you fought for Robards to play Bradlee. It was a beautiful and thoughtful night and…”
And with that, Ruffalo detailed his reason for sharing this letter in the caption.
“This was a letter I had written to Robert Redford when I learned he was ill. I didn’t get it to him before the news today. This is what a real American Hero looks like. A man who brought people together, lived and practiced empathy, and created good and useful organizations that made peoples lives better and included anyone who had an interest. Please remember him well,” Ruffalo wrote.
Sundance Releases Statement on Robert Redford’s Passing
GettyIn the 1980s, Redford founded the Sundance Institute nonprofit organization, having purchased land in Utah which he renamed after his character in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The impact this foundation has had is clear, and following his passing, Sundance released a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity,” they said, per Deadline.
