Actor Andrew Garfield recently reflected on his early career and feature film debut. He shared a memorable behind-the-scenes story about working with the late actor and director Robert Redford on the 2007 war drama Lions for Lambs. Speaking on an episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, Garfield detailed how severe anxiety gave way to relief on his very first day on set. This transformation happened entirely thanks to Redford’s famously relaxed and tardy habits.
Garfield was just 23 years old when he landed the supporting role of student Todd Hayes in Lions for Lambs. Entering a major Hollywood production alongside screen legends like Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Redford himself left the young actor feeling entirely overwhelmed.
How Robert Redford’s Lateness Cured Garfield’s Early Nerves
Arriving on set for his first day of filming, Garfield recalled feeling “terrified and nervous and pinching myself.” However, those intense feelings quickly shifted when he learned that the film’s director and star was running four hours behind schedule.
“Bob is four hours late, and it’s just like, by that time, I’m just pissed. I’m just angry,” Garfield shared with a laugh, noting that he says it with absolute affection. The long wait ultimately worked to his advantage by burning off his performance anxiety. By the time Redford finally arrived, the initial tension had entirely dissipated.
Garfield described Redford as “so loose and casual.” He noted that the legendary actor arrived dressed in double denim and completely unbothered by his own lateness. “He was just like on his own Redford time,” Garfield added.
Treating a Newcomer Like an Equal
Beyond breaking the tension with his laid-back demeanor, Redford made a lasting impression on the young actor by fostering a collaborative environment. Despite Garfield being a newcomer working opposite Hollywood royalty, Redford regularly turned to him after takes to ask for his creative input.
According to Garfield, Redford would ask, “What do you think?” That simple gesture had a profound impact on his confidence during production. “He made me feel like it was my set and made me feel like I was an equal,” Garfield remembered, praising Redford as a “beautiful, beautiful man” with a genuine “soul for service.”
Looking Back at Lions for Lambs
Although Lions for Lambs received mixed reviews from critics upon its 2007 release, the political drama served as a crucial stepping stone in Garfield’s career. Having previously worked primarily in British theater and television, the project marked his official introduction to major American studio filmmaking.
The reminiscing arrived as Garfield actively promoted his historical drama, The Uprising. Rather than a formal memorial, the conversation offered a lighthearted, deeply personal glimpse into how one of Hollywood’s most respected icons helped shape the early days of a future Academy Award nominee.
