Robert Redford to retire from acting in two films time

'Once they’re done I’m going to say goodbye to all that'

(AFP/Getty Images)

Robert Redford - the Sundance Kid himself - has provided an update on his future in the film industry, expressing plans to retire from acting after the release of his next two films.

The Oscar-winning actor-director - now aged 80 - was being interviewed extensively by his grandson Dylan for the website of the Walker Art Center when he made the admission.

He revealed that his heart currently lies with painting, a hobby he initially embarked upon as a career before Hollywood came calling.

Redford said:

“At this point in my life, age 80, it’d give me more satisfaction because I’m not dependent on anybody. It’s just me, just the way it used to be, and so going back to sketching – that’s sort of where my head is right now. So, I’m thinking of moving in that direction and not acting so much. I’ve got two acting projects in the works: Our Souls at Night, with Jane Fonda, a love story for older people who get a second chance in life, and Old Man with a Gun, a lighter piece with Casey Affleck and Sissy Spacek."

Thankfully, he doesn't plan to quit the industry altogether - Redford will continue to direct.

He continued: "Once they’re done then I’m going to say, ‘Okay, that’s goodbye to all that,’ and then just focus on directing."

Redford's career has spanned five decades with notable screen roles in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and All the President's Men. His directorial works include Ordinary People, Quiz Show and The Horse Whisperer.

The founder of the Sundance Film Festival's most recent appearances included JC Chandor one-hander All Is Lost, Marvel sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the Cate Blanchett-starring Truth. Directing-wise, his last credit was political thriller The Company You Keep.