Robert Redford's Final Role Brought Challenges, Co-Star Says

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Zahn McClarnon, the star of the AMC series 'Dark Winds', has shared insights about working with the late Robert Redford, who was an executive producer on the show. Redford, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 89, had a cameo in Season 3 of the crime drama, which was his final on-screen appearance. McClarnon, who is Native American, described Redford as an 'American icon' and 'hero' whose work championed independent film and indigenous stories.

Why it matters

Redford's involvement in 'Dark Winds' as an executive producer and his final on-screen cameo in the show highlights his lasting legacy as a trailblazer for Native American representation and independent filmmaking. McClarnon's reflections provide a personal perspective on working with the legendary actor during the final stages of his life.

The details

According to McClarnon, Redford had some 'difficult times walking' towards the end, but was 'smiling and having fun' during his cameo scene in Season 3. The actor also noted that Redford was a hands-on executive producer, visiting the set 'quite often' and being 'very lighthearted, and always laughing and joking' with the cast and crew. McClarnon, who also made his directorial debut in Season 4, praised Redford as an 'immense talent' and 'meaningful figure' who championed independent film and indigenous stories.

• Redford died in September 2025 at the age of 89.
• Redford's cameo in 'Dark Winds' Season 3 was his final on-screen appearance.
• 'Dark Winds' is currently in its fourth season, which is the first without Redford as an executive producer.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 'Dark Winds' crew plans to do some type of memorial for Robert Redford during the filming of Season 4, which takes place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Redford lived.