My favorite Redford story was told by Mike Nichols. Nichols cast young Redford in his Broadway production of “Barefoot in the Park” in 1963 when both were young and building their careers.
A few years later, Nichols got signed to direct a pretty big Hollywood film, “The Graduate.” Redford wanted very much to audition for the lead role but his old pal told him that he simply wasn’t right for the role.
“Why not?” pleaded Redford, like a typical struggling actor. As Nichols tells it, he asked Redford, “have you ever struck out with a girl?”
Redford answered, “in what way?”
”And he was being serious!!” said Nichols, roaring with laughter. 