Robert Redford's Age in 1972: The Verified Answer
Robert Redford was 35 years old in 1972. He was born on August 1, 1936, making him 35 for most of 1972 and turning 36 late in the year. This profile explains how to calculate his age from known biographical dates, confirms key career milestones from that period, and clarifies common timeline questions using authoritative sources.
Birth Date and Age Calculation Method
To determine Redford’s age in any given year, start from his confirmed date of birth and compare it to the target year. Age is calculated as the difference in calendar years, adjusted for whether the birthday has occurred in that year.
- Birth date: August 1, 1936
- Reference year: 1972
- Formula: Age on date D = (Year of D − Year of Birth) − adjustment if birthday has not yet occurred in that year
Applying this method shows Redford was 35 for January 1–July 31, 1972, and 36 beginning August 1, 1972.
Illustrative Calculation Examples
- On April 1, 1972: 1972 − 1936 = 36, but the birthday (August 1) has not occurred, so age = 35.
- On December 15, 1972: The birthday has passed, so age = 36.
Key Facts and Timeline Around 1972
1972 was a significant year in Redford’s career and public life. He was transitioning between iconic roles and expanding into production. Here are the verified facts with sources and why they matter for timeline clarity.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1936 | Public biography and authoritative records |
| Age on January 1, 1972 | 35 years | Calculated from birth date |
| Age on December 31, 1972 | 36 years | Calculated from birth date and elapsed months |
| Prominent Work in 1972 | Starred in “The Candidate” (released April 1972) | Film release and cast records |
| Career Context | Early 1970s shift toward producing and directing | Industry timelines and retrospectives |
Notable Works in the Early 1970s
At age 35–36, Redford was cementing his status as a leading man and a filmmaker who cared about projects beyond acting. His choices in 1972 reflect a balance between commercial appeal and personal values.
The Candidate (1972)
Released in April 1972, this political drama showcased Redford as a campaign manager navigating media-driven politics. It remains a benchmark for genre work because of its realistic tone and ensemble cast.
The Great Waldo Pepper (1975)
Although released later, production timelines often place this in planning around 1972–1973. It demonstrates Redford’s interest in character-driven period pieces and stunt-driven storytelling.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Confusion sometimes arises because Redford’s films from the late 1960s and early 1970s blend together in public memory. We clarify key points below.
- Myth: Redford was 30 or younger in 1972. Fact: He turned 36 late in the year; he was 35 for most of it.
- Myth: Exact age is impossible to determine without asking him directly. Fact: Official birth records and standard date arithmetic make this straightforward.
- Myth: He was younger than co-stars in early 1970s films. Fact: He was typically near the age of peers, aligning with roles that required both experience and vitality.
Production Evolution Around 1972
By 1972, Redford had already starred in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) and was weighing how much creative control to assume. His move toward producing around this time set the stage for later work with the Sundance Institute.
- Transition from actor-led to producer-driven projects began in earnest mid-decade.
- The balance between bankable roles and passion projects became more deliberate after 1972.
Why Age Context Matters for Legacy Analysis
Understanding Redford’s age in 1972 helps clarify how his career evolved, why certain projects were pursued, and how industry perceptions of him shifted. Age is one factor among many—including roles, production decisions, and cultural shifts—that explain his long-term influence.
For researchers, journalists, and fans, anchoring timelines to verified dates reduces speculation and supports more accurate comparisons across decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is Robert Redford’s date of birth?
Redford was born on August 1, 1936. - Q: How old was he on a specific date in 1972?
He was 35 before August 1 and 36 on and after August 1 of that year. - Q: Did he turn 36 in 1972?
Yes, he turned 36 on August 1, 1972. - Q: Is the birth date widely documented?
Yes, multiple authoritative sources confirm August 1, 1936, as his birth date.