Robert Redford Remembered: Tales from His Dublin Days

Hollywood icon Robert Redford, who passed away at the age of 89, left behind a legacy that includes cherished memories from his visits to Dublin. Notably, his connection with Irish biographer Michael Feeney Callan stands out, marked by a friendship that spanned over three decades.

In the 1990s, Redford made headlines when he attended a choir performance at a school in Sutton, a suburb on the northside of Dublin. The event featured the children of Callan, who recounted the excitement surrounding the surprise visit. Parents were astonished to see the star, comparing the scene to that of The Beatles making an unexpected appearance. “It was hilarious,” Callan recalled, noting the frenzy as parents clamored for autographs.

Their friendship began in 1995 in New York City, after Redford read Callan’s biography of Anthony Hopkins. This initial meeting opened the door to a collaboration that would span 14 years, during which Redford visited Ireland multiple times and stayed at Callan’s home. “It was a five-year project that took 14 years and developed into a 30-year friendship,” Callan explained.

Throughout their time together, they shared both laughter and conflict. On one occasion, Callan remembered a heated argument over a detail in the biography. “He wanted me to take something out, and I stormed out of the house,” Callan recounted. Redford, however, blocked his exit and humorously reminded him, “Hey Butch, it’s just me, Sundance.” This moment exemplified the playful dynamic that characterized their relationship.

Redford’s personality had two distinct sides, according to Callan. He could easily embrace his celebrity status, often seen sporting a stylish haircut and leather jacket. Yet, he also experienced periods of introspection, sometimes wearing a black beret in an attempt to go unnoticed. “He had this theory that the beret made him unrecognisable,” Callan noted, although it did not always succeed.

One memorable evening at La Caprice on St Andrew’s Street in Dublin, the duo was recognized by singer Dickie Rock. Rock serenaded Redford with “The Way We Were,” a song from the 1973 film starring Redford and Barbra Streisand. The unexpected performance delighted Redford, prompting him to remove his beret and engage with the moment.

Callan’s time with Redford was filled with shared experiences that highlighted the actor’s charm, warmth, and depth. “We had our spats and we did fall out many, many times,” he reflected, “but I had untrammeled access to all his friends,” including notable figures like Jane Fonda and Paul Newman.

Redford’s visits to Dublin were not only personal but also professional, as he engaged with Callan and others in the creative community. His impact on those who met him was profound, leaving lasting memories and stories that will be shared for years to come.

As tributes pour in following his death, Michael Feeney Callan’s recollections of their time together offer a unique glimpse into the life of a Hollywood legend, revealing the man behind the iconic roles and the friendships he cultivated along the way.