Hollywood legend Robert Redford[1] has [2]died today at the age of 89.
His wavy blond hair and boyish grin made him one of the most desired leading men in the world – often featuring on lists of the ‘hottest men of all time’.
But what exactly was it about the heartthrob that made him so attractive?
According to Dr Julian De Silva, a facial cosmetic surgeon based in London[3], it all comes down to the Greek Golden Ratio of Beauty.
‘The ancient Greeks used a mathematical ratio to measure beauty and harmony,’ he explained in a blog post.
‘This golden ratio was used in Greek architecture, famous renaissance paintings and is the basis for Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, his definition of the perfect male body.’
So, how does Redford stack up against this ancient measurement?
The Daily Mail used an online tool to analyse Redford’s face – and uncovered an impressive score of 82.31 per cent.
Hollywood legend Robert Redford has died today at the age of 89. His wavy blond hair and boyish grin made him one of the most desired leading men in the world – often featuring on lists of the ‘hottest men of all time’
Aside from his handsome face, Redford was known for his lustrous head of hair, which he continued to sport throughout his later years
The Golden Ratio was devised by the Greeks in an attempt to measure beauty.
It can be applied to almost anything, and was famously used by Leonardo Da Vinci for the perfect human male body in his famous work, the Vitruvian Man.
The premise behind the Golden Ratio is that the closer the ratios of a face or body are to the number 1.618 (Phi), the more beautiful they become.
To understand the secret to his good looks, the Daily Mail uploaded a front–on photo of a young Redford to GoldenRatioAI.
The site’s analysis revealed that the actor’s Face Height Ratio was 1.068 (65.99 per cent), while his Philtrum to Nose Ratio was 1.377 (85.12 per cent).
Finally, his Eye to Mouth Ratio was an impressive 1.686 (95.81 per cent), giving him a total score of 82.31 per cent.
While this is no doubt an impressive score, it pales in comparison to several other leading men, according to Dr De Silva.
His previous analysis revealed that Aaron Taylor–Johnson tops the list, with an impressive score of 93.04 per cent.
To understand the secret to his good looks, the Daily Mail uploaded a front–on photo of a young Redford to GoldenRatioAI
While Redford’s score of 82.31% this is no doubt an impressive score, it pales in comparison to several other leading men, according to Dr De Silva. His previous analysis revealed that Aaron Taylor–Johnson tops the list, with an impressive score of 93.04 per cent.
Dr De Silva said: ‘Aaron was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection.
‘His 93.04% score would easily make him the most handsome James Bond in the history if he does land the role as expected.
‘He is well ahead of all the James Bond actors – Sean Connery, in second place with 89.2%, with Roger Moore in third on 88.8% and Daniel Craig in last place – behind George Lazenby – on 84.2%.’
Emily In Paris star, Lucien Laviscount, 32, came in second place with a score of 92.41 per cent, while Gladiator II star Paul Mescal, 28, was the third most handsome man on the list, with a 92.38 per cent score.
Aside from his handsome face, Redford was known for his lustrous head of hair, which he continued to sport throughout his later years.
This may have contributed to his appeal, according to a 2021 study by researchers from Bucknell University.
In that study, the team showed participants photos of men with and without hair, and asked them to rate them for attractiveness, fitness, warmth, sophistication, kindness.
The results revealed that white men with hair were rated as more attractive, fitter, and as having better personalities than hairless blokes.
The premise behind the Golden Ratio is that the closer the ratios of a face or body are to the number 1.618 (Phi), the more beautiful they become
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Revealed: The 10 most handsome men in the world, according to science
While the reason for this link remains unclear, the researchers suggest that hair may be a good indicator of men’s health.
Writing in their study, published in Evolutionary Psychological Science[4], the researchers, led by T. Joel Wade, wrote: ‘Why does cranial hair have this effect on the perception of men?
‘Perhaps it is because of the biological significance of cranial hair for men.
‘If [male pattern baldness] causes such distress and carries such stigma, one evolutionary hypothesis is that [baldness] is an indicator of poor health, stress response, or other issues that would lower mate value.’
References
- ^ Robert Redford (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ (apnews.com)
- ^ London (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Evolutionary Psychological Science (link.springer.com)