Robert Redford may have been born in California, but he’s always been an honorary Utahn. For decades, people across the country have known Redford as either an accomplished actor, director, activist or environmentalist. But for us, and for film buffs everywhere, his biggest and most noteworthy claim to fame is the Sundance Film Festival, one of the biggest cinematic gatherings on the planet and one that was founded in Park City, Utah.
The annual festival, along with Redford’s Sundance Institute and Sundance ski resort, is named after his famous character from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” a movie that he and Paul Newman filmed here in the Beehive State. Redford’s career helped put Salt Lake City and all of Utah on the map, so it’s only fair that we returned the favor with a night honoring the 77-year-old talent.
About 500 people turned out for “The Governor’s Salute to Robert Redford: A Utah Tribute,” on Saturday, November 9. It was a very glitzy affair, with $200 plates, Native American dances, video and performance tributes to the man and a number of notable state officials, like Governor Gary Herbert and our own Mayor Ralph Becker, in attendance.
Redford’s son, James, also took the podium to explain the deep connection between his father, their family and Utah.
“The love he has for Utah is visceral, it’s primal and it’s deeply personal,” James told the crowd. “We all live in different places, but Utah will always be our deep home.”
If you want to call this place home too, or just want first-hand access to next year’s Sundance Festival, talk to a Salt Lake City real estate agent at Muve Real Estate today! We’ll show you some great homes for sale in the area and help you learn all about living in Salt Lake City.
