Robert Redford remembered for his ties to Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Film fanatics are mourning the loss of Robert Redford, a renowned actor and director, who died Tuesday at the age of 89.

They called him the Hollywood golden boy, but Redford also had strong ties to the Rhode Island.

Trudy Coxe, executive director of the Preservation Society of Newport County, spoke about the impact Redford had nationwide.

“I think Robert Redford is in the minds and hearts of many people,” Coxe said. “Because of all the great performances he’s had over the years.”

Much of The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford in 1974 was filmed at the Rosecliff mansion in Newport.

“Everybody would come onto the site, people would just walk onto the set,” Coxe said. “Whether you were associated with it or not, so I’m sure that a lot of people accidentally or inadvertently rubbed shoulders with Robert Redford and were thrilled by it.”

During later years as an Oscar-winning director, Redford returned to Newport in 2016 to film a Netflix drama series called ‘The Discovery.’

And on that return trip in 2016, Coxe said Redford made his way back to the mansion.

“[He] knocked on the door,” she said. “And in true fashion, our staff would not let him in, because we were closed.”

Coxe said a staff member on the third floor looked down and saw Redford walking away.

“[He] recognized him immediately and said ‘oh my lord, that’s Robert Redford,'” she said. “Came running down the stairs as quickly as he could, but Redford was driving out the driveway, it was too late.”

The story encapsulates the humble nature of an industry legend, according to Coxe.

“He didn’t drop names he didn’t drop titles,” she said. “He just asked can do I quick tour.”