When Robert Redford came to Lake Forest to film Ordinary People, the small town was abuzz with excitement. To welcome him, some locals hosted a party in his honor. Among those helping at the event was Jackie Kazarian, a high school student at Lake Forest High School at the time.

While tidying up in the kitchen, Jackie had a chance encounter with Redford. They began talking, and during their conversation, Redford learned that Jackie was a member of her school’s tennis team. To her surprise, he invited her to play tennis with him.

The very next day, Robert Redford picked Jackie up after school and they played together. It was a moment Jackie would never forget — a rare and unexpected connection between a Hollywood icon and a high school student. In today’s world, such an experience would be akin to a celebrity like Brad Pitt personally inviting a student to join them for an afternoon of tennis in front of classmates.

Redford, who had been a collegiate tennis player, was modest about his skill, though Jackie insists he was far better than her. Her husband, who has played tennis with her for 46 years, jokingly admits he still has his doubts. Whatever the truth, the meeting remains an extraordinary memory for Jackie — one she treasures deeply.

Robert Redford’s life was marked by more than just his remarkable career in film. He was celebrated as a gifted artist, a passionate humanitarian, and a man who carried a deep love for the world and the people in it. His unexpected gesture toward Jackie stands as a quiet testament to his character — someone willing to connect with others in meaningful and personal ways.

Redford’s passing leaves a lasting void, but stories like this remind us of the profound, personal moments he created for others. For Jackie Kazarian, that day in Lake Forest was not just a meeting with a famous actor; it was an unforgettable encounter that became a cherished memory for a lifetime.