Ethan Hawke and Woody Harrelson Swap Sweet — and Seriously Steamy — Stories at Robert Redford Tribute

by

The Sundance Film Festival began this week with a bittersweet mood, marking both a celebration and a period of change. This year’s festival is the last one to be held in Park City, Utah, for the near future, as the organization plans to move the event to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. It’s also the first festival since the passing of Robert Redford, its well-known founder.

The festival celebrated Robert Redford’s career with a large gala event where his friends and coworkers shared affectionate and humorous stories. Woody Harrelson, who acted with Redford in the 1993 film Indecent Proposal, had the crowd roaring with laughter by playfully referencing the movie’s plot. “He’s the only man I’d ever consider letting my wife spend time with,” Harrelson joked, “and I’ll also admit, without embarrassment, he’s the only man I’d pay to spend a night with myself!”

Harrelson shared that his entire family has always been huge fans of Redford, a feeling passed down through generations. He recounted a story about his mother, who was afraid of flying, overcoming her fear just to meet Redford while he was filming. He described Redford as incredibly kind and generous, taking the time to have a real conversation with her. Harrelson said he’ll always be thankful for that moment, and he’d never seen his mother so genuinely happy and excited.

You know, beyond the laughs we shared on set, Woody Redford was deeply committed to protecting our planet. I remember this one time, Congress was trying to allow companies to exploit about six million acres of pristine Montana wilderness. I was really trying to fight this bill, and kept asking Woody if he’d call this one senator who was completely blocking us – he just wouldn’t listen to anyone. And unbelievably, every single time Woody made that call, the senator would pick up and actually change his position! Seriously, that’s the kind of impact he had. I truly believe Woody’s dedication to the environment is a huge part of what made him such an amazing American.

It was so moving to hear stories from other filmmakers, like Ava DuVernay, who talked about how Robert Redford always believed in her and playfully insisted she call him ‘Bob.’ But Ethan Hawke’s story really got to me. He remembered auditioning for A River Runs Through It and, even though he didn’t get the part, Redford told him he’d done a fantastic job and was simply too young for the role. He said he knew Ethan would have a wonderful career, and that meant so much.

Hawke recalled some advice Robert Redford gave him: stop wearing cowboy hats in public. Redford had playfully warned him that people would assume he was balding. Hawke quipped that it was the kind of insightful guidance you only get from a true mentor.

Woody Harrelson has been very busy recently. He’s getting ready for the release of Brothers, a new comedy series on Apple TV+ where he and his friend Matthew McConaughey play exaggerated versions of themselves as neighbors on a Texas ranch.

Woody Harrelson has been in the news lately for his podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name, co-hosted with Ted Danson. On the show, he openly shares personal and interesting stories from his long career in Hollywood.

Beyond his acting career, Woody Harrelson is a well-known supporter of eco-friendly lifestyles and wellness. He often highlights The Woods, his organic lounge and cannabis shop in West Hollywood, as part of this advocacy.

Read More

2026-01-25 18:45