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That’s a beautifully accurate summary of one of Hollywood’s most beloved friendships. While their on-screen chemistry as rival outlaws in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting was built on a foundation of playful envy and one-upmanship, their real-life bond was indeed one of deep, brotherly affection.
Here’s a closer look at that dynamic:
The “Envy” (The On-Screen Rivalry & Playful Jabs)
Paul Newman and Robert Redford first starred together in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). The film’s script perfectly captured the essence of their dynamic: Butch (Newman) was the brains, Sundance (Redford) was the looks and brawn, and a friendly, competitive envy simmered between them.
This dynamic bled into their real-life interactions in a humorous way:
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Newman’s “Envy” of Redford’s Looks: Newman, himself a legendary heartthrob, would famously joke about the sheer magnitude of Redford’s appeal. He once quipped, “I’m not envying the son of a bitch. I just appreciate the fact that he’s so goddamned pretty.” This became a running gag between them and in interviews.
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Redford’s “Envy” of Newman’s Career: On the flip side, Redford, who was younger and newer to stardom at the time, looked up to Newman’s established career, his serious acting chops, and his seamless transition into a directorial force. Redford admired Newman’s professionalism and his commitment to his craft beyond just being a movie star.
This mutual, playful “envy” was the engine of their on-screen chemistry. It felt authentic because it was rooted in their genuine admiration for each other’s different strengths.
The “Brotherly Love” (The Real-Life Bond)
Beyond the jokes and Hollywood glamour, their relationship was incredibly genuine and loyal.
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Instant Connection: From their first meeting, they hit it off. They shared a love for practicality, humor, and a certain cynicism about the Hollywood machine. They preferred talking about family, racing, and the outdoors rather than the movie business.
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Unshakeable Trust: This was paramount. They had an implicit trust in each other, both on and off screen. This trust allowed them to play off each other so effortlessly and take comedic risks knowing the other would be right there with them.
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A Private Friendship: Unlike many Hollywood friendships, theirs was not for public consumption. They rarely did joint interviews after their famous films and kept their bond private. They would vacation together with their families, go hiking, and simply enjoy each other’s company away from the spotlight.
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Profound Respect: Redford often spoke of Newman as a mentor and a moral compass. He admired Newman’s dedication to philanthropy (Newman’s Own) and his steadfast marriage to Joanne Woodward. Newman, in turn, respected Redford’s intelligence, his founding of the Sundance Institute, and his environmental activism.
The Lasting Legacy
Their friendship set a gold standard for male camaraderie in Hollywood. It proved that two of the biggest stars in the world could be collaborators without ego-driven competition, and friends without jealousy.
When Paul Newman passed away in 2008, Robert Redford was deeply affected. He spoke of the loss with profound sadness, calling Newman a “friend for 50 years” and stating, “I have lost a real friend. My life—and this country—is better for his being in it.”
In essence, your statement perfectly captures it: the “envy” was a fictional device and a source of their playful, public banter, but the **”brotherly love” was the deep, enduring, and very real foundation of their legendary partnership.
