UTAH – September 16, 2025 — Hollywood and the global film community are mourning the death of Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Institute, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah. He was 89 years old.
Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed his death on Tuesday, though a specific cause was not immediately disclosed.
A Storied Career in Film
Robert Redford rose to international stardom in the late 1960s and 1970s with defining roles in some of Hollywood’s most enduring films. His breakout came in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), where he starred alongside Paul Newman in a partnership that became one of cinema’s most beloved duos.
He went on to headline “The Sting” (1973), another classic pairing with Newman that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Redford’s performances in “The Great Gatsby” (1974), “All the President’s Men” (1976), and “The Natural” (1984) further cemented his place as one of America’s most versatile and iconic leading men.
In 1980, Redford made his directorial debut with “Ordinary People”, a critically acclaimed family drama that earned him the Academy Award for Best Director. It marked the beginning of a second career behind the camera, where he continued to influence Hollywood with thoughtful, human-centered storytelling.
Founder of Sundance and Champion of Independent Film
Beyond acting and directing, Redford reshaped the film industry through his passion for nurturing independent voices. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, which gave rise to the Sundance Film Festival—now regarded as the premier showcase for independent cinema worldwide.
The festival launched the careers of numerous filmmakers and actors, and its influence helped expand the boundaries of American cinema. Redford often said his greatest legacy was not his own films, but the opportunities Sundance provided for storytellers around the world.
Tributes From Hollywood and Beyond
News of Redford’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, directors, and fans.
“Robert Redford wasn’t just a star on screen—he was a visionary who changed the course of film,” said Acting Edgewater Police Chief Charles Geiger in a separate statement reflecting on Redford’s cultural impact. “He gave countless filmmakers a platform and gave audiences stories that will live forever.”
Social media was filled with reflections from Hollywood colleagues, praising Redford’s artistry, generosity, and his unwavering dedication to preserving the integrity of cinema.
A Lasting Legacy
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Charles Robert Redford Jr. began his career on stage before breaking into television and eventually film. Over seven decades, he became not only a box-office draw but also a respected figure committed to artistic innovation, environmental causes, and political activism.
He received numerous accolades throughout his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, awarded by President Barack Obama, recognizing his cultural and philanthropic contributions.
Redford is survived by his family, including his children and grandchildren, who described him as “a beloved father, grandfather, and friend whose love of nature, art, and humanity touched everyone who knew him.”
Remembering an Icon
As Hollywood reflects on his life and career, Robert Redford’s impact is clear: he was more than a movie star. He was a pioneer, a mentor, and a storyteller whose work will endure for generations.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be private, with a public memorial to be announced in the coming weeks.
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