The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation.
The Santa Monica Pier honors the life and legacy of Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16 at the age of 89. Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford was widely regarded as “Santa Monica’s favorite son,” a title earned not only through his cinematic achievements but also through his deep and enduring bond with the Pier.
In February 1973, at a moment when the Santa Monica Pier faced demolition, Redford’s voice rang out in the Los Angeles Times, championing the need to preserve this cultural landmark. His recognition of the Pier’s importance came at a pivotal time when the city was undergoing profound change, and his support galvanized efforts to ensure the Pier would endure for future generations.
That same year, Redford reflected in a recording about the Pier’s value, saying it “should be a museum.” The recording is available upon request. More than fifty years later, the Pier stands not as a static exhibit but as a living history museum—welcoming millions each year while preserving the stories, spirit, and culture that Redford so cherished.
“I learned early on in my Pier days that Robert Redford was Santa Monica’s favorite son and that he basically grew up on the Pier,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “He knew the Santa Monica Pier throughout his entire life. It was a staple for him, a reminder of his roots and his youth, and he never hesitated to show his love and support for it.”
Harris added: “In this time of mourning for Robert Redford, I will avoid taking the leap of stating that he was a close friend of mine. That would be misleading, yet an honor. A deep, heartfelt honor. He and I connected several times over the past couple of decades to discuss the Santa Monica Pier and his deep commitment to it. We had a mutual love of something very special. During the early-1970s community fight to save the Pier he pointed out the need to preserve our heritage, our legacy. I don’t know whether he realized it at that time, for he was fighting for a structure and a destination, but he himself became and will forever remain an important part of the Pier’s heritage, its legacy.”
Redford’s connection to the Pier also extended to the silver screen. In 1973, the same year he helped rally support to save it, he starred in “The Sting,” the Academy Award–winning film that featured several scenes shot on the Santa Monica Pier. The movie went on to become a Hollywood classic, linking Redford’s legacy forever with the Pier’s own place in film history.
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