Robert Redford, a classic Hollywood actor who dominated the screen through the 1970s and swept America off its feet with a knee-weakening smile and penchant for romantic leading roles, died on September 16 in his home outside Provo, Utah. According to a statement by Cindi Berger of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK, he died in his sleep. Broadway became an important training ground for the would-be Hollywood actor. After taking classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Redford’s first role was on stage, in a small role in the Broadway comedy Tall Story (1959). “He will be a matinee idol if he doesn’t look out.” Redford’s next and final Broadway role came in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park (1963), as Paul Bratter, a role he’d later reprise in the play’s film adaptation.