Hollywood legend Robert Redford dies at 89
Actor, director and Sundance founder remembered worldwide
Robert Redford, the iconic actor‑director who helped shape Hollywood’s golden era and championed independent cinema, died at 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family. His publicist confirmed the death; the cause has not been released. The announcement sparked an outpouring of tributes from peers, filmmakers and fans worldwide.
Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most recognizable faces of his generation. He achieved breakout fame with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), a film that later inspired the name of his lifelong passion project, the Sundance Institute and its eponymous festival. Subsequent hits such as The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973) and All the President’s Men (1976) cemented his status as a box‑office draw and cultural icon.
Redford’s directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980), earned him the Academy Award for Best Director and contributed to the film’s Best Picture win. He later directed acclaimed works including A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994), demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful, character‑driven storytelling.
Beyond the screen, Redford was a dedicated environmentalist, philanthropist and political activist. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, creating a nurturing platform for independent filmmakers. The Sundance Film Festival grew into a premier venue that launched the careers of directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh and Chloé Zhao, and remains his most enduring legacy.
Colleagues across generations honored him. Barbra Streisand called him one of the finest actors ever, while Scarlett Johansson recalled his mentorship on The Horse Whisperer (1998). Bob Woodward, whose investigative work Redford portrayed in All the President’s Men, described him as a noble and principled force for truth and art.
Redford leaves behind his wife, painter Sibylle Szaggars, and their children. His death marks the loss of a figure who combined classic Hollywood charm with a relentless drive to support authentic, independent voices. As fans revisit his timeless films, the industry reflects on a career that defined elegance, integrity and artistic independence in American cinema.
