Image Source: The Independent
Andrew Garfield has shared a surprising story about his first experience working with the late Hollywood legend Robert Redford, recalling that the celebrated actor and director once arrived four hours late to the set of Lions for Lambs.
Garfield discussed the story during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast. While the delay initially left the young performer frustrated, he said Redford’s relaxed attitude quickly helped ease the pressure of making his film debut.
Andrew Garfield reveals Robert Redford’s surprising set habit
Garfield worked with Redford on the 2007 war drama Lions for Lambs, which marked his first major film role. The movie featured an impressive cast, including Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep, and followed three connected stories involving American politics, journalism and soldiers deployed to Afghanistan.
Redford directed the film and played Stephen Malley, a university professor who attempts to inspire one of his students. Garfield portrayed Todd Hayes, a student whose conversation with Malley forms one of the movie’s central storylines.
Recalling the experience, Garfield said he was “terrified and nervous” while working alongside such established performers. He explained that he was “pinching myself” before Redford’s delayed arrival changed the mood completely.
“And then Bob is four hours late,” Garfield recalled, according to comments reported by The Independent.
The actor joked that he was eventually “just pissed” and angry, although he clarified that he was not genuinely upset with Redford. Instead, the unexpected wait helped break through the nerves that had surrounded his first day on a major movie set.
A relaxed Hollywood icon who put Garfield at ease
Garfield described Redford as “a beautiful, beautiful man” who appeared completely comfortable in his own world. He said the actor was famously late and seemed to operate on what he called “Redford time.”
Despite his status as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, Redford reportedly maintained a casual presence on set. Garfield remembered him wearing double denim and dressing as though he were still in his twenties.
That easygoing personality made a strong impression on Garfield. The British actor said Redford’s calm attitude helped reduce the anxiety he felt as a newcomer. Rather than making the young performer feel inexperienced, Redford treated him as though he belonged there.
Garfield also revealed that Redford would ask for his opinion after filming his own scenes. After a take, Redford would reportedly turn to the newcomer and ask what he thought of the performance.
Garfield admitted that he could only respond with an understandably enthusiastic version of, “It’s great. Really good, Robert Redford.” Even so, the gesture left a lasting impression.
“He made me feel like it was my set and made me feel like I was an equal,” Garfield said. He added that Redford understood it was his first movie and went out of his way to make him feel comfortable.
From a nervous debut to an acclaimed acting career
Lions for Lambs was an important early step for Garfield, who later became internationally known for playing Spider-Man. He went on to appear in films including The Social Network, Hacksaw Ridge, Tick, Tick… Boom! and The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
His performances in Hacksaw Ridge and Tick, Tick… Boom! earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. He has since built a reputation for choosing emotionally demanding roles alongside major commercial projects.
Redford, meanwhile, remained one of the defining figures of American cinema. He rose to fame during the 1960s and 1970s through films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were and All the President’s Men.
He also found success behind the camera, winning the Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People in 1981. His career combined leading-man charisma with a strong commitment to independent film and filmmaking.
Redford died in his sleep last year at the age of 89, surrounded by family. Garfield’s story offers a personal glimpse of the man behind the iconic image: highly accomplished, effortlessly stylish and, apparently, not always punctual.
What Garfield’s story says about Robert Redford
For Garfield, the most important memory was not the delay itself. It was Redford’s generosity once he arrived. By asking a first-time film actor for his thoughts and treating him as an equal, Redford helped create a supportive environment during a crucial moment in Garfield’s career.
The story also highlights the difference between Redford’s public image and his private manner. To audiences, he was a legendary leading man and Oscar-winning director. On set, Garfield remembered someone relaxed, approachable and willing to encourage a nervous young performer.
Frequently asked questions
When did Andrew Garfield work with Robert Redford?
Andrew Garfield worked with Robert Redford on the 2007 war drama Lions for Lambs, which was Garfield’s film debut.
Why was Robert Redford four hours late?
Garfield recalled that Redford arrived four hours late, but he did not give a specific reason. He joked that Redford was known for operating on “Redford time.”
What role did Andrew Garfield play in Lions for Lambs?
Garfield played Todd Hayes, a student who speaks with Redford’s character, university professor Stephen Malley.
How did Robert Redford treat Andrew Garfield on set?
Garfield said Redford made him feel like an equal and even asked for his opinion after filming scenes, despite Garfield being new to movies.
