Key Takeaways:
* Veteran Hollywood actor, Robert Redford had a successful career despite fighting polio at the age of 11.
* Redford’s memoir revealed his personal struggles, including his battle with polio.
* Overcoming the virus influenced him to pay a tribute to Jonas Salk in one of his documentaries.
A Glimpse into Redford’s Past
Considered one of the remarkable figures in Hollywood, Robert Redford enjoyed a fantastic career span before retiring in 2018. His repertoire includes not only significant acting roles but also contributions to directing. Well known for his role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and for founding the Sundance Film Festival, Redford’s career indeed defines an enviable journey.
However, not many people are aware of Redford’s challenging childhood, marked by the battle against polio at the tender age of 11. Despite being highly private about his personal life, Redford chose to share this intense chapter in his memoir, Robert Redford: The Biography, which was released in 2011.
Facing Polio as a Child
Redford’s fight against polio was a surprise for many fans who admired the actor’s athletic prowess. Despite contracting the disease at a young age, Redford clarified during The Fresh Air Interview in 2018, that his was not a severe case. He attributed his mild polio to a tiring day at the ocean when he was 11. This disease, however, was severe enough to acknowledge him bed-ridden for two weeks and is considered a dark chapter in his life.
In those days, polio was a menacing epidemic, giving rise to the fear of lifelong implications for many. People often lived with debilitating conditions or were confined to iron lungs before the Salk vaccine’s advent in the 1950s.
Paying Tribute to Jonas Salk
The widespread polio issue was eventually contained through the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) developed by Jonas Salk in 1952. Salk, a prominent virologist, quickly turned savior for many with his invention. In a noble move, Salk refused to patent his vaccine, choosing humanity over personal gain.
Having endured the personal struggles of fighting polio, Redford paid a fitting tribute to Salk. He directed a segment in the 3D documentary, Cathedrals of Culture. This documentary series featured six iconic buildings worldwide, with one highlighting the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, founded by Jonas Salk in California in 1963.
Redford’s fond memories with the building, not located far from where he grew up, and his personal battle, were the motivating factors to discuss this in the documentary. The documentary can be streamed on Apple TV+.
Redford’s life journey, starting from the fight against polio needing bed rest to his flourishing Hollywood career, is an inspirational tale. His choice to pay tribute to the efforts of Jonas Salk through his documentary work serves as a great reminder of his gratitude. This unique blend of personal struggle, triumph, and gratitude adds another layer to the intriguing persona of Robert Redford.
