‘I Liked Him, But He Loved Paul Newman’: Angie Dickinson’s Shocking Revelation About Redford

Robert Redford’s passing in September 2025 marked the end of an era in Hollywood.

Known for his charm, talent, and timeless performances, Redford was an icon who left an indelible mark on cinema.

However, as the world celebrated his illustrious career, a new story began to unfold—one that revealed the hidden complexities of his personal life.

Angie Dickinson, a fellow Hollywood legend and long-time friend of Redford, finally spoke out after decades of silence, sharing her memories, heartbreak, and the secrets she once vowed to keep.

Angie Dickinson first met Robert Redford in 1966 on the set of The Chase.

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At the time, Redford was a young, relatively unknown actor, while Dickinson was already a well-established star.

From the moment they met, Dickinson was captivated by Redford’s shyness and sincerity.

“He didn’t need to do much,” she recalled.

“Just standing there, he was already captivating.”

Their bond grew quickly during the sweltering days on set in Texas, as they found solace in each other’s company amidst the pressures of Hollywood.

Despite their growing friendship, Dickinson began to develop feelings for Redford—feelings that she would carry silently for decades.

The Chase (1966)

She described how she would invite him to dinners, walks, or quiet evenings over a glass of wine, only to be met with polite refusals.

“I never blamed him, not once,” she said.

“But that doesn’t mean I never dreamed.”

Her love for Redford was unrequited, a one-sided affection that she kept hidden from the world.

What made Dickinson’s story even more poignant was her revelation about why Redford never reciprocated her feelings.

“He didn’t give his heart to women,” Dickinson confessed.

The Chase (1966) - Turner Classic Movies

“He was attracted to men.”

This simple yet profound statement shattered the image of Redford as the flawless Hollywood heartthrob and revealed a side of him that had been carefully hidden from the public eye.

One of the most significant figures in Redford’s life, according to Dickinson, was Paul Newman.

Their relationship began on the set of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and quickly became the subject of rumors.

Dickinson recounted how Redford would cancel plans and rush to Newman’s side, how he would prepare thoughtful gifts for him, and how the two would disappear together for hours.

“I liked him,” Dickinson said, “but he gave his whole heart to another man. And that man was Paul Newman.”

Old School ICA: The Chase (1966) Marlon Brando

For decades, Dickinson watched from the sidelines as Redford and Newman shared a bond that was deeper than friendship.

She described the pain of seeing them together, the jealousy and helplessness she felt as she realized that Redford’s heart belonged to someone else.

“To the world, they were the perfect companions,” she said.

“But to me, they were the cruelest proof of a buried, unrequited love.”

Newman, however, was not the only man who held a special place in Redford’s life.

Dickinson revealed that during the filming of The Chase, she began hearing whispers about Redford’s close relationship with Marlon Brando.

Peter Oxley on X: "Marlon Brando in The Chase 1966 Angie Dickinson Jane  Fonda Robert Redford Robert Duvall #ArthurPenn https://t.co/Gkh1dWablZ" / X

She recounted how Redford would make half-joking, half-serious remarks to Brando, and how he wore a silver necklace containing a photo of the legendary actor.

“In that moment, all the rumors suddenly became a visible truth,” Dickinson said.

Over the years, Dickinson also observed Redford’s relationships with other men, including Sydney Pollack, Dustin Hoffman, and Bob Woodward.

She described how Redford seemed to transform in Pollack’s presence, how he would disappear with Hoffman for hours, and how he shared intimate, private conversations with Woodward.

Each of these relationships, Dickinson said, revealed a side of Redford that few people ever saw—a side that was vulnerable, tender, and deeply connected to the men he cared about.

Despite the pain of her unrequited love, Dickinson chose to remain silent about Redford’s personal life for decades.

The Chase 1966 - Marlon Brando, Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Angie Dickinson

She respected his privacy and understood the pressures he faced as a Hollywood icon.

“I liked him, but I also respected him,” she said.

“And sometimes, the greatest love is silence.”