Meryl Streep recently reflected on the undeniable chemistry she shared with Robert Redford during their time filming *Out of Africa*, a movie that remains iconic decades after its release.
In the film, Streep plays a Danish baroness managing a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya, who falls for a big-game hunter portrayed by Redford. One memorable scene finds Redford washing Streep’s hair by a river while reciting a famous passage from Coleridge’s *The Rime of the Ancient Mariner*. Streep recalled, “Was he the holiest man in the world?” as she reminisced about some of her beloved films.
She mentioned how that scene wasn’t just part of the script; it felt much deeper. “It’s not a sex scene, it’s a love scene… It was remarkable. I didn’t want it to end. It felt so good,” she noted. It’s interesting how, even years later, she reflected fondly on that moment.
Streep had brought up an important memory from the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, a year before Redford’s passing. She remarked, “Sure, it’s intimate and perhaps even a bit sensual, but it showcases a kind of affection and care that we often overlook in film.”
But strangely enough, shooting that scene wasn’t without its hurdles. There was genuine concern for their safety, as production warned them about potential wild animal threats nearby.
“I had a pet lion that was supposedly calm but turned out not to be,” Streep remembered, laughing a bit nervously. “And then they mentioned that hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa. We were filming right by the water, and I couldn’t help but think about that.”
Streep recalled that Redford was apprehensive about washing her hair, leading their hairstylist to step in and show him how it was done. “He took the lessons to heart, and by the fifth take, I was completely lost in the moment. Even with the hippos lurking nearby, I didn’t want that day to end,” she said.
Redford, a Hollywood heavyweight known for classics like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, was still a remarkable co-star during the production. Streep was already establishing her career with films such as *Kramer vs. Kramer* when she took on the role of Karen Blixen. Directed by Sidney Pollack, *Out of Africa* tells the story of a complex love affair that ultimately won seven Academy Awards, solidifying a legendary status for both actors.
