Hollywood is about to lose another great — well, sort of. Robert Redford is a name that has long been associated with quality films. From his part in classic movies like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men — not to mention his work in founding the world famous Sundance Film Festival, where the more indie pictures thrive — he’s a man who will have a lasting impact on the industry long after he passes.

But before you get concerned, no, that’s not something we anticipate anytime soon. As great as Redford’s acting cache is, given his experience, he was bound to retire soon. Based on a recent interview with The Guardian, however, it sounds like that will be coming sooner rather than later.

“I’m getting tired of acting. I’m an impatient person, so it’s hard for me to sit around and do take after take after take. At this point in my life, age 80, it’d give me more satisfaction because I’m not dependent on anybody. It’s just me, just the way it used to be, and so going back to sketching – that’s sort of where my head is right now. So, I’m thinking of moving in that direction and not acting as much.”

While this is definitely sad on some front, it sounds like he may focus his attention on directing, which will be a huge plus for the industry. While Redford’s directing filmography isn’t the most impressive one could boast, he does have some nuggets in there like A River Runs Through It and — most notably in my book — Quiz Show, which chronicled the scandal surrounding the rigging of the old TV game show, Twenty One. If we can get more films like those two, Hollywood would be better for it.

In recent years, Redfords acting resume has definitely mellowed out in scope — over the past 17 years, he’s been in about 15 films — not a large number, but he has also hit a couple bigger films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Pete’s Dragon. I feel like his retirement is a very natural progression of his career, and I look forward to the type of work he’ll do once he’s officially done.

What do you think of Redford all but announcing his retirement? What are your favorite movies of his? Let us know in the comments down below!

Don’t forget to share this post on your Facebook wall and with your Twitter followers! Just hit the buttons on the top of this page.

SOURCE: The Guardian