Nearly a decade ago, a young Iain Armitage—now widely recognized as the brilliant star of Young Sheldon—stepped onto a film set in Colorado Springs, blissfully unaware that he was about to share the screen with one of the greatest legends in Hollywood history: Robert Redford.
At the time, Armitage was just a kid, cast as “Jamie” in what would become one of Redford’s final acting roles. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Colorado and the magic of filmmaking, Iain recalls the experience not through the lens of celebrity or career milestones, but through the eyes of a child having the time of his life.
“I was so young I had no idea what a giant in the industry he was and how much he contributed,” he reflects. “I just knew how much fun I was having.”
That fun included classic childhood joys—roasting marshmallows, playing baseball, and building model trains. But what left the deepest impression on Iain wasn’t the iconic actor’s rĂ©sumĂ©, or even the quiet power of his performance. It was Redford’s kindness.
While the crew affectionately called him “Bob,” Iain preferred “Mr. Robert,” a gesture of respect that came naturally. “He was kind to me,” Iain shared simply, a sentiment he once put in a handwritten note to Redford during filming. That single sentence carries weight—especially coming from a now more seasoned actor who’s learned to recognize how rare and meaningful that kind of gentleness can be in an industry full of egos and expectations.
Now, with Redford largely retired from acting and stepping back from public life, Iain looks back with a sense of gratitude and reverence. He speaks not only of his own memories, but also of the many people who were touched by Redford—on screen and off.
“I’m astonished at all he accomplished,” he says. “Today, I am thinking of all his film family and festival colleagues who must miss their friend, and especially of his real-life family, who shared him with the world.”
This reflection is more than just nostalgia; it’s a touching reminder of the quiet moments that shape us. While many remember Robert Redford for his Oscar-winning films, groundbreaking work with Sundance, and decades of cultural impact, Iain remembers the man who took time to be kind to a little boy on set.
In a world often obsessed with fame and headlines, Iain Armitage’s words are a gentle nudge back to what truly matters: connection, respect, and kindness.
As fans continue to celebrate Robert Redford’s extraordinary legacy, it’s moments like these—personal, sincere, and human—that remind us of the lasting impression one person can leave, simply by being good to others.
