As the world reflects on Robert Redford’s death, his own words illuminate the essence of his career as an Oscar-winning actor, director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival who championed truth, independence and new voices.

Redford, who died Tuesday at 89, leaves behind a legacy of freedom, artistry and opportunity. His words — captured here by The Associated Press over numerous interviews — reflect the philosophy that guided his life and career from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” to “All the President’s Men” and beyond.

Redford on “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”

“I was not a name equal to Paul’s. I was just sort of moving up at that time. There was a big argument that went on for months and months. They said it had to be a star. (Newman) said, ‘Well, I want to work with

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