Looking back on the legend.
The AMC series “Dark Winds,” starring Zahn McClarnon, was Robert Redford’s final role before his death late last year.
“Dark Winds,” currently in its fourth season (Sundays at 9 p.m. on AMC and AMC+), is a gritty crime drama set in the ’70s about Navajo tribal police solving mysteries and crimes on the reservation. The show has already been renewed for a fifth season, with McClarnon co-starring Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, and Deanna Allison.
“I will carry those memories with me forever,” McClarnon told Page Six about working with Redford.
Mr. Redford, who died in September at the age of 89, was an executive producer of the show along with George R.R. Martin. In Season 3, the two Hollywood giants made on-screen cameos as men playing chess in a prison and bantering with McClarnon.
“When he saw me, I couldn’t believe I was sitting there interacting with someone like Robert Redford, someone I admired so much,” McClarnon said.
The actor, who is Native American, added, “I’ve seen almost every movie he’s been in, and I idolized him as a kid. I had to pinch myself. I’m literally there interacting with my hero!”
The “Westworld” actor said that toward the end of his life, “Bob was completely there mentally.”
McClarnon said that although Redford physically “had a hard time walking at times,” during the filming of his scenes, “he was smiling and having fun with the cast and crew.”
Mr. Redford wasn’t even remotely an executive producer.
“He visited the set frequently,” McClarnon recalls. “He was such a fun guy, always laughing and joking. Everyone loved being around Bob. It was so fun to have him hang out on set.”
The “Reservation Dogs” actor praised Redford as “an icon for Native storytelling and for the business as a whole.”
“Dark Winds” is based on the novel series “Leaphorn & Chi” by Tony Hillerman. The 18-book series was published over several decades, from 1970 to 2006.
McClarnon said Redford has rights for “30 years.”
“Luckily, we were able to find a home at AMC, and I’m so happy that Bob is a part of my life.”
Season 4 is the first “Dark Winds” season without Redford, so McClarnon said there will be a commemorative photo shoot, especially since it’s filmed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Redford lived.
“Within the community outside of[the show]he was such a big icon, and he lived down there. There’s a lot of people who are grieving and grieving. I don’t really know what they’re doing as a production this season, but they’re definitely doing something.”
McClarnon, who also made his directorial debut in Season 4, said Redford was an “immense talent” and “a very important person” who was “a champion of independent film and Indigenous storytelling.”
“Without a doubt, one of the highlights of my life was the scenes I performed with Bob. He was an American icon and his work will live on forever.”
“Dark Winds” currently airs Sundays at 9 p.m. On AMC and AMC+.
