You won’t believe this—Robert Redford, the Hollywood legend, didn’t exactly plan on becoming an actor. It turns out, life had other plans for him. His journey to the big screen was more of a winding road than a straight path.

A Life-Changing Trip to Europe

After the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Martha, in 1955, Robert was only 18 years old and deeply affected by her passing. To cope with his grief and find some clarity, he embarked on a long journey to Europe. According to Jack Brendlinger, who roomed with Robert for seven months in Florence, Italy, and Paris, this trip was a turning point for the young man. "He was a young man struggling with his existence," Jack exclusively shared with Closer Weekly.

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During his time in Europe, Robert found himself sketching strangers at local cafes, which sparked a newfound interest in the performing arts. However, it wasn’t until he returned home and his stepmother suggested he enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts that he truly embraced acting. "I didn’t start out to be an actor," Robert once admitted. "It took me a while to accept this path as my own."

Breaking Through the Hollywood Hype

At first, Robert was hesitant about the acting world. When he began gaining recognition after his breakout role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, he felt the pressure of fame. "There’s danger here," he reflected. "I made three notes to myself: 'If you’re treated like an object, you’ll begin to behave like an object, and if you’re not careful, you’ll become an object.'" This mindset helped him navigate the complexities of stardom while staying true to himself.

Retirement Doesn’t Mean the End of Creativity

Even though Robert has announced his retirement from acting, that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down. According to biographer Michael Feeney Callan, he plans to focus on personal and family matters, with art playing a significant role in his future endeavors. "[He's going to] spend some time on personal issues, family issues, and certainly art is a big thing," Callan told Closer Weekly.