Ethan Hawke, a well-known actor, recalls meeting the late, legendary star Robert Redford for the first time in 1992.

The actor recounts that he was auditioning for a part in A River Runs Through It, which was being directed by Redford. 

Though he did not get the role, what became memorable for him was the director’s words.

“You’re too young for this part. But I just want you to know, you’re going to have a wonderful career, and I can’t wait to watch it,” Redford told the star.

Hawke says these words made him realize that “Redford believed in me. He followed up.” 

To prove this, he gives an example.

While the actor, who went on to do hit projects, was struggling, he performed at small theatres. The late actor, believing in him, came there to see his performance.

This shocked the actor, who did not expect to see the veteran actor/filmmaker there, as he recalls, “He came to see me in a play. It was 99-seat theater; $10 a ticket. What the f***?” He championed other people. The fact that he had time to care about all of us is so meaningful.”

Hawke remembers this story during the Sundance Film Festival, an event Redford founded in the late 1970s to support indie filmmakers.