Although the real-life outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were close, actor Paul Newman admitted that he harbored some grudges against the young Robert Redford throughout the period of filming.
A true testament to their acting prowess, Redford as Harry Longabaugh, aka “Sundance Kid,” and Newman as Robert LeRoy Parker, aka “Butch Cassidy,” were convincing in their portrayals of the Wild West friends, notorious criminals who were eluding the law after a string of bank and train robberies.
The 1969 film, which was based on the actual outlaws, won four Oscars and is still regarded as one of the best Westerns ever produced. Four years later, in The Sting (1973), another caper movie starring two similarly attractive heartthrobs, the stars reunited.
Legends in their own right, Newman and Redford worked their magic when they were together. However, have you ever wondered how Hollywood’s A-listers get along away from the camera?When he was 44 years old, Newman, who portrayed Butch, admitted that he had been interested in the 33-year-old Redford’s 33-year-old character.
In a BBC Talking Pictures interview, Newman noted, “We have a lot of fun together, and we bounce off each other really well.” I would have wanted to play Sundance, he continued. With that cooled-out quality, I feel a little more at ease. It must be the simpler part, I suppose.
Redford was a budding star who won the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year in 1965 for his work with Natalie Wood in the movie Inside Daisy Clover.
After appearing in movies like Cool Hand Luke (1967) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) with Elizabeth Taylor, Newman had already achieved superstardom.
Redford was cast opposite Newman, who was winning acting and directing accolades, in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid after Steve McQueen turned down a role in the film. McQueen also declined parts in Dirty Harry, The French Connection, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
The two celebrities weren’t truly friends at the time, according to Newman’s memoir, “The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir,” the BBC reports.
Newman said, “You can’t depend on Redford. You’re never sure he’s going to be there. That’s simply discourteous.”
Their differences in working styles, according to Newman’s youngest daughter Claire Newman Soderlund, whom he fathered with his second wife Joanne Woodward, may have contributed to their conflicts.
She said, “My father was very much a stickler for timeliness and Bob, that was never really his strength. It was hard work for dad. He worked very hard at it because he wanted to be good and he wanted to be successful and Bob was more of a free spirit.”
When Newman passed away from lung cancer in 2008, Redford, who is now 86, told ABC News that, “It was just that connection of playing those characters and the fun of it that really began the relationship,” he said, reflecting on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. “And then once the film started, once we went forward, we then discovered other similarities that just multiplied over time, a common ground that we both had between us, interests and so forth, and differences.”
Newman and Redford looked into possibilities to collaborate on a third movie after portraying renowned outlaws and later thieves in The Sting, but it never materialized.
In Bill Bryson’s 1998 book of the same name, A Walk in the Woods, which was adapted into a 2015 movie, it almost happened. The plot of this buddy movie centers on two elderly guys who are out of shape and want to hike the challenging Appalachian Trail.
In 2005, Redford, who both appeared in and produced the movie, chose this script with his close friend Newman in mind.
In 2015, Redford said, “It started with Paul, because Paul and I had been looking for a third film to do together. A lot of time had gone by, and I just couldn’t find it. When I read this book… I thought of Paul right away.”
Redford, who was 79 at the time of the interview, claimed that he sent the book to Newman, who later cast Nick Nolte in the part because he wasn’t sure he could do it physically.
Since they initially worked together on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the relationship between Newman and Redford, two highly regarded performers, has significantly deepened. The performers, who lived in Connecticut just a mile apart and started to act like brothers, are also close with their families.
Speaking after his buddy died, Redford said, “We both got to know each other’s flaws pretty well. Of course, I outweighed him on that front. But knowing each other’s flaws, we just played them to the hilt and we’d try to trick each other. We’d try to surprise each other, and it was so damn much fun that it became like–it became like a scenario unto itself.”
He added, “Paul really likes to have fun and he loves to laugh and he really especially loves to laugh at his own jokes, and some of them are just really awful. So the fact that he enjoyed them so much, you forget about the joke and you’d start to laugh with him because you’re so caught up in his enjoyment of them.”
Paul Newman and Robert Redford had such a great chemistry! Let us know what you think of their on-screen friendship and real-life romance!
My Wife’s Best Friend Mocked Her behind Her Back, So I Decided to Teach Her a Harsh Lesson
A friendly dinner with my wife’s best friend turned into a night that would reveal who she really was. I overheard her say some of the most cruel things about my wife, and you won’t believe the revenge I plotted. I had to show this woman she could never mess with the people I love.
Friends enjoying dinner and drinks | Source: Pexels
I’m Jake. I’ve been with my wife Meg for over five years, and she’s the love of my life. We’ve been through a lot together, especially struggling with infertility.
About a month ago, we went to dinner with some friends, including Meg’s best friend and our maid of honor, Bethany. The evening was going pretty well, with lots of laughter and catching up.
As the night went on, I leaned over to Meg and said, “We should probably head out soon. We need to stick to our treatment schedule.”
Meg nodded, giving me a small smile. “You’re right. Let’s say our goodbyes.”
A couple having dinner | Source: Pexels
We excused ourselves, explaining to our friends, “Sorry to cut it short, but we’ve got an early appointment tomorrow.” Bethany and the others waved us off with cheerful goodbyes, and we left the restaurant, thinking the night had ended on a good note. Little did I know, it was just the beginning.
A man looking in his bag | Source: Pexels
So, we left, but I realized I had left my phone at the restaurant. “Oh no, I left my phone,” I said, patting my pockets frantically.
Meg looked at me with concern. “Do you want me to go with you?”
I shook my head. “No, you go on home. I’ll be quick.”
I hurried back to the restaurant and spotted my phone on the table. Just as I was grabbing it, I overheard Bethany talking to another friend.
A phone on the table | Source: Pexels
“Oh gosh, did you see Meg?” Bethany sneered. “She’s soooo pathetic! What does she hope for? I bet Jake will be crawling to me the moment I give him a wink. At least, I could give him a healthy child. She’s just sterile.”
My jaw hit the floor. How could she say that? I would never trade Meg for this evil woman. I didn’t lose it right there, though I was close. Instead, I decided Bethany needed a harsher wake-up call. So, I came up with a plan.
A man looking completely shocked | Source: Pexels
The next time we all got together, I started being extra friendly with Bethany. “Hey Bethany, you look great tonight,” I complimented, flashing her a smile.
She laughed, clearly enjoying the attention. “Thanks, Jake! You always know how to make a girl feel special.”
I laughed at her jokes and even started texting her occasionally. “Hey Bethany, saw this and thought of you,” I messaged, attaching a funny meme.
A man on his phone | Source: Pexels
I wanted her to think she was winning me over, and it didn’t take long before she started flirting back. “You’re so sweet, Jake. Maybe we should hang out more often,” she replied.
I played along, acting like I was falling for her charm.
Over the next few weeks, I ramped it up. I sent Bethany sweet messages, and when we were out with friends, I made sure to give her extra attention.
Two people flirting at a dinner table | Source: Pexels
“Bethany, you always have the best stories,” I said one evening, laughing at one of her anecdotes.
She beamed, clearly enjoying the spotlight. “You think so, Jake? I guess I do have a knack for it.”
Meanwhile, Meg had no idea what was going on; I didn’t want to hurt her by revealing Bethany’s cruel words just yet. She’d ask me, “How’s Bethany doing? She seems so happy lately.”
I’d smile and say, “Yeah, she’s been in a good mood. Must be all the attention from everyone.”
Eventually, Bethany couldn’t resist and suggested we meet up alone. She thought she had me wrapped around her finger.
A woman texting while at a restaurant | Source: Pexels
“Hey Jake, how about we grab coffee sometime? Just the two of us,” she texted one day.
I agreed, knowing this was the perfect time to drop the bombshell. “Sure, Bethany. How about Friday at that little coffee shop downtown?” I replied.
When we met, she was all smiles and flirty. “Hey Jake,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“Of course, Bethany. I’ve been looking forward to it,” I said, giving her a charming smile.
Two people having coffee | Source: Pexels
During our coffee date, I acted even more interested, letting her believe she was winning me over. “You know, Bethany, I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately,” I said, leaning in slightly.
She blushed, clearly pleased. “Oh really? What have you been thinking?” she asked, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
“Just how great you are. How fun it is to be around you,” I replied, watching her soak up the compliments.
As the weeks went by, Bethany started dropping hints about a future together. “Jake, you deserve someone who can give you everything you want,” she said one day.
Two people having coffee | Source: Pexels
I knew it was time to escalate things. I invited her to dinner at a fancy restaurant under the guise of discussing our “relationship” further. “Bethany, let’s have a special dinner. I want to talk about us,” I said, my voice serious.
She arrived dressed to the nines, clearly expecting a big moment. “Jake, you look amazing,” she said, her eyes wide with anticipation.
As we sat down, I began my routine of complimenting her. “You look stunning tonight, Bethany,” I said.
“Thank you, Jake,” she replied.
A woman smiling while out with someone | Source: Pexels
Then, just as she seemed to be basking in her triumph, I dropped the bombshell. “Bethany, do you remember that night at the restaurant when you said those things about Meg? About her being pathetic and sterile?” I asked, leaning in closer.
Her face went pale. “What are you talking about, Jake?”
“I heard everything you said,” I continued. “You mocked my wife, the woman I love, behind her back. You thought I’d fall for your manipulative, arrogant act? You’re wrong. I would never trade Meg for someone as cruel and hypocritical as you.”
A woman looking confused while at dinner | Source: Pexels
Bethany’s expression turned from shock to anger. “You played me?”
“Damn right, I did,” I said, leaning back with a smirk. “And now, everyone will know the real you. You’ll never see Meg again. I’ll make sure of it.”
“You… you’re a monster!” she hissed, her eyes blazing with fury.
“No, Bethany. You are,” I replied calmly. “And now, you’ll face the consequences of your actions.”
A woman crying | Source: Pexels
Bethany stormed out of the restaurant, humiliated and furious.
I returned home to Meg, who had been in on the plan from the beginning. “How did it go?” she asked, concern in her eyes.
“Better than I expected,” I replied, pulling her into a hug. “She’s not going to bother us anymore.”
We had a long talk about what happened, and it brought us even closer. But it hurt that my wife had faced this kind of betrayal.
A couple hugging | Source: Pexels
“I’m so sorry you had to go through this, Meg,” I said, holding her close.
“It’s not your fault, Jake. I’m just glad we handled it together,” she replied, smiling up at me.
The fallout was satisfying. Bethany tried to salvage her reputation, but word spread quickly about what she had said and done. She lost many friends, and her social circle shrank dramatically. “She got what she deserved,” Meg said one day, a note of satisfaction in her voice.
A couple hugging each other | Source: Pexels
“Yes, she did,” I agreed. “And we’re stronger than ever because of it.”
Meg and I continued our journey together, stronger than ever. We knew that no matter what challenges we faced, we could overcome them together. The lesson here? Don’t mess with the people I love. Karma has a way of catching up with you, especially when you least expect it.
A couple hugging | Source: Pexels
Thanks for reading, everyone. Stay strong, stand up for your loved ones, and never let anyone get away with cruelty.
If you thought this a cold-severed revenge plan, you would not believe what Megan did after she found out her soon-to-be husband was cheating on her with her best friend! As if it could not get any worse, she was invited to their wedding, but she had a plan to ruin their happy day.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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