Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, who died Tuesday at 89, began his professional stage career at the Bucks County Playhouse.
The playhouse in New Hope Borough is mourning the loss of Redford, who made his professional stage debut there in 1959 in “Tiger at the Gate.” He returned to the playhouse in 1963 for what would become his breakout role in the pre-Broadway production of Neil Simon’s “Nobody Loves Me.” The show, which was directed by Mike Nichols, was later retitled “Barefoot in the Park” when it moved to Broadway in October 1963.
“Of all the starry names that have appeared at Bucks County Playhouse over the years, I’ve been most impressed with Robert Redford’s two stints on our stage,” said Alexander Fraser, producing director of Bucks County Playhouse.
Fraser said in the statement that Redford played Paris in “Tiger at the Gate,” a retelling of the Trojan War.
“His memoir even recounts the director’s command that he dye his hair blond,” Fraser said.
The second play, “Barefoot in the Park,” made him a star.
Fraser recalled inviting Redford back for the playhouse’s 75th anniversary.
“He replied immediately, reflecting on fond memories of New Hope and the importance of the Playhouse to his career,” Fraser said. “Because of COVID-19 he said he wasn’t traveling, but he sent his best. We’ll remember him with the greatest respect.”
Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed his death to news outlets.
No cause of death was provided, and he died at his home in Sundance, Utah, according to a statement from Berger.
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