In a rare and deeply emotional interview, Robert Redford opened up about the overwhelming pain and regret he feels following the heartbreaking loss of his son James Redford, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 58. With a tremble in his voice, the legendary actor and filmmaker admitted that he feels as though he failed as a father in many ways, particularly when it came to his son’s health.
“I’m a terrible father,” Redford said quietly, his eyes filled with sorrow. “James was always so healthy, so full of life, and I never really thought much about his health issues until it was too late.” He confessed that he wishes he had been more attentive to his son’s well-being, especially when it came to his heart condition, which ultimately led to James’ death from liver cancer.
Reflecting on their relationship, Redford spoke with deep regret about not encouraging James to be more proactive with his health. “I should’ve made sure he was getting checked regularly, made sure he understood how important it was to take care of himself,” he admitted. “I focused too much on my own work, on my own life, and I didn’t always pay attention when I should’ve. And now, I have to live with that.”
James, a documentary filmmaker and environmental advocate, had been diagnosed with a rare genetic disease that affected his liver. Despite undergoing a liver transplant in 1993, James never fully recovered, and his health continued to deteriorate over the years. Redford said that, in hindsight, he now understands how crucial it was for him to be more involved in his son’s medical journey.
“I thought he was fine, that he was strong enough to handle things on his own,” Redford reflected, his voice breaking. “But I should’ve been there more, pushing him to take better care of himself. I should’ve been more present in his life, especially in those final years.”
The actor revealed that after James’ death, he often found himself haunted by thoughts of what he could’ve done differently. “I replay the moments in my mind, the things I could’ve said, the advice I should’ve given,” Redford shared. “But you can’t change the past. All I have now are the memories, and the regret of not being a better father when it really mattered.”
Redford emphasized that he will never stop grieving his son, but that he is determined to honor James’ legacy through the work he continues to do in the environmental and social justice fields. “James was a fighter, and he always cared about making the world better,” Redford said, his eyes lighting up slightly at the mention of his son’s passion. “He cared about causes that matter, and he taught me more than I ever realized.”
Since James’ passing, Redford has become a more vocal advocate for health awareness and the importance of being proactive when it comes to medical care. “I tell my other children now, I tell my friends — take care of yourselves, make sure you’re checking in on your health,” he said. “Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.”
Despite the immense grief he carries, Redford finds comfort in the work his son left behind. “James’ films and his work are a part of him that will never fade,” Redford said. “They’re his gift to the world, and to me. And that’s something I’ll hold onto.”
In the final moments of the interview, Redford paused, then softly added, “I wish I had been a better father. I wish I could have done more. But I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it in whatever way I can.”
Watch movie:
*Content is hosted on a partner site.
