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Bob Woodward, brought to life on screen by the Legendary Actor in the 1976 corruption exposé All the President’s Men, has paid tribute to the late actor, describing him as “an honorable and morally grounded advocate for justice”.

Five Decades of Camaraderie

In a statement shared on digital platforms, Woodward revealed that he and Redford shared a bond for half a century and that he “held him in high regard” for his loyal companionship, his fierce autonomy, and his dedication to using his influence to enhance global equity, more just, and brighter for people everywhere.

Redford’s Role in Watergate Exposure

Woodward emphasized that Redford played a key role in exposing the Watergate scandal, urging both Woodward and his reporting partner to recount the events from the perspective of their investigative experiences. This partnership led to the release of their nonfiction account All the President’s Men in mid-1974, which came before the president’s stepping down later that year. Redford later acquired the screen rights and co-starred in the acclaimed movie adaptation.

Reflections on Relevance

Woodward mentioned discussions held not long ago with Redford, in which the actor stated that he had revisited All the President’s Men in 2021 and was “taken aback” by how appropriate and current it still felt, adding that “the core issues persist”. Redford commented, “The Nixon era has passed, but figures like Trump have emerged”.

“Our nation exists where we can’t call ourselves the USA. We just can’t. We’re the Divided States of America because of the political parties and they’re deeply entrenched in their fears.”

On Democracy and Destruction

Redford offered insight directly on the former president, after Woodward proposed that Trump was attempting to destroy democracy. “[Trump] doesn’t understand [democracy]”, Redford stated. “Hence, dismantling it becomes simple. Ignorance facilitates destruction. One may even deny its very existence.”