Late Hollywood legend Robert Redford once refused to say a line to Barbra Streisand in The Way We Were because he thought it might hurt his masculinity. Well, yes, the same actor who is famous among young fans for his role in MCU’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier once refused to say the line, “It will be better this time”, during a s*x scene with Streisand (via NY Post).
According to writer Robert Hofler’s book The Way They Were: How Epic Battles and Bruised Egos Brought a Classic Hollywood Love Story to the Screen, Redford believed that the line suggested his character (an extension of himself) was bad in bed.
Meanwhile, Barbra Streisand, who admitted being “infatuated” with Redford, claimed to have pushed the actor to star in the 1973 film.
The table contains basic details on The Way They Were:
Did Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand Develop an Offscreen Relationship
Turns out, because Barbra Streisand encouraged Robert Redford to star in The Way We Were, insiders believed that there was at least a rumored off-screen flirtation between the two. Plus, given how Streisand was often rumored to have had romances with her co-stars over the years, it was believed that she even had an affair with the late legend.
And these rumors were fueled by writer Robert Hofler’s book, which claims that Robert Redford believed Barbra Streisand was infatuated with him. But despite repeated rumors, Streisand herself never admitted to any romance and has only spoken about friendship. Even in her 2023 memoir My Name Is Barbra
He and I had a real rapport and the audience could sense it. It’s hard to explain why a certain combination of two actors works, but in one interview, Bob tried: ‘Barbra…her femininity brings out the masculinity in a man, and her masculinity brings out a man’s femininity, vulnerability, romanticism, whatever you want to call it.’ No wonder I liked him. He’s very perceptive.
In her memoir, Streisand even explained that she pushed for Redford to join the movie because she admired his talent and depth as an actor, not just his good looks. Further, the actress wrote about the strong connection they built while filming. According to the actress, that curiosity about each other is what the audience saw on screen.
Still, writer Robert Hofler claimed in his book that Redford was worried about working with Streisand because of her “controlling” reputation. “Her reputation is as a very controlling person. She will direct herself. It’ll never work,” he wrote.
But somehow, Barbra Streisand seemed clear about her feelings for Robert Redford, which stemmed from friendship.
Barbra Streisand Paid Her Tribute to The Way We Were Co-Star
That friendship between Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand reappeared once again, following the Spy Game star’s passing at the age of 89 on Tuesday, September 16. When the late legend’s death was announced, Streisand honored her former co-star through a heartfelt Instagram post.
Reflecting on her work experience with Redford on The Way We Were, Streisand mentioned in her Instagram post that it was exciting, intense, and joyful. She then praised his charismatic personality while calling him intelligent and one of the best actors ever. She then went on to share a personal memory of their last meeting.
Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense, and pure joy. We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.
Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting—and one of the finest actors ever. The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings. He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.
Barbra Streisand recalled how Robert Redford visited her for lunch. They talked about art and even decided to exchange their first drawings. For her, it was a sweet reminder of their bond. Other celebrities like Jane Fonda, Scarlett Johansson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Julianne Moore also paid their tribute to Redford.
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The Way We Were is currently available in the US on Prime Video and Apple TV+.