The local theater community is remembering Robert Redford’s impact on the arts in Fairfield County.

Although the Academy Award winner never performed at the Westport Country Playhouse, the theater says Redford left an indelible mark.

“It’s hard to even state how famous of a guy Robert Redford was," artistic director Mark Shanahan says, "but he saw the value in what the arts does for a community."

Back in 2004, Redford filmed a sketch at the playhouse alongside the late Paul Newman.

The duo reflected on life and career paths, all while helping raise money for the playhouse’s renovation project.

“We’re so grateful to him for that era of helping the playhouse transform back then," Shanahan says. "We’re lucky that over the years, people like him have supported the place."

Shanahan says while people will remember Redford for his big-time roles in classic films, he'll remember how Redford was always giving back and helping young artists along the way.

"He recognized that a theater speaks of a healthy community, just like a great movie or any story well told can help people," Shanahan says. "I think that’s what Redford was after: helping people."