With the passing of Robert Redford at 89, cinema has lost a legend, but the character of Hubbell Gardiner from The Way We Were remains immortal. For many, Redford was Hubbell, and his death is a moment to reflect on the defining role that transformed him into the ultimate romantic hero.
In the 1973 classic, Redford’s portrayal of the handsome, easy-going writer was a study in nuance. He was charming, yes, but also flawed and conflicted, a man torn between his love for a passionate woman and his own more conventional nature. This complexity is what made the character, and the film, so enduringly powerful.
The explosive chemistry between Redford and co-star Barbra Streisand is the stuff of Hollywood legend. They brought to life the story of two people who were deeply in love but fundamentally incompatible, capturing a truth about relationships that resonated with millions. The film’s success was a testament to Redford’s magnetic and heartbreaking performance.
While he would go on to other great romantic roles, including the adventurous Denys Finch Hatton in Out of Africa, the character of Hubbell remained his most iconic romantic creation. It was the role that cemented his image, an image he himself was sometimes wary of, as he sought to prove his versatility in other genres.
The final scene of The Way We Were perfectly encapsulates Redford’s legacy. The quiet glance, the gentle touch—it’s a moment of pure cinematic magic that conveys a lifetime of love and regret. Robert Redford may be gone, but Hubbell Gardiner, and the timeless romance he represents, will live on forever.