PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Legendary actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, who passed away early Tuesday, had deep ties to Rhode Island, making several memorable visits to the Ocean State throughout his celebrated career.

With a Hollywood career spanning decades, Redford earned countless accolades for his iconic performances, acclaimed directing, and founding of the Sundance Film Festival.

Although his family moved to California in the 1930s, his father was born in Westerly, providing Redford with roots in Rhode Island.

In the 1970s, he starred in "The Great Gatsby," which was filmed at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport.

More than 40 years later, while working on his second Rhode Island-based film, Redford expressed gratitude to the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, praising the city and its hosp

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