From the cover of Ms. to the founding of Sundance, Robert Redford used his star power to amplify women’s voices, champion equality and reimagine what masculinity could mean.
Robert Redford, who died Sept. 16 at 89, was more than a Hollywood legend—he was also a man unafraid to stand with women.
In October 1975, Redford appeared—back turned, jeans and T-shirt on—with a rolled-up copy of Ms. tucked into his pocket for our “Special Issue on Men.” The image, art-directed by Bea Feitler, became one of the magazine’s most iconic covers, making a simple but bold statement: Women’s rights are a men’s issue too.
Fifty years later, our Summer 2025 issue revisited that vision, honoring Redford’s quiet but powerful contribution to feminist history.
That appearance wasn’t a one-off. Redford consistently used his platform to support social justice, environmental causes, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s voices in film—including through his Sundance Institute, which opened doors for countless underrepresented filmmakers.
He welcomed the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements as a long-overdue tipping point, insisting that men’s role was to listen.
Of course, he also knew when to speak up. In fact, what made Redford timeless was not just his artistry, but his insistence on speaking out.
In his own words:
On women’s voices in film (Sundance Film Festival, 2018):
“It’s changing the order of things so women have a stronger voice. Now I think it’s more even handed. The role for women is to exercise their voices. The role for men is to listen and let women’s voices be heard and think about it.”
On the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements (2018):
“What it’s doing is bringing forth more opportunities for women and more opportunities for women in film to have their voices heard and do their own projects.”
On change and equality (2018):
“I consider that change is inevitable and that it will happen very soon. I am optimistic. Women will have a more important place in society. The role of men from now on will be to listen to women and talk to them about many important things.”
On his broader vision of justice and empathy in leadership:
“Without a moral compass in the Oval Office, our country is dangerously adrift.”
On discrimination:
“I believe there’s no place in our world for discrimination. None.”
Great Job Ms. Editors & the Team @ Ms. Magazine Source link for sharing this story.
