Hollywood Icon Robert Redford Dead at 89, Leaving a Legacy as an Actor, Director, and Activist

Robert Redford, the dashing actor, Oscar-winning director, and tireless champion for the environment, has died. According to his publicist, Cindi Berger, the Hollywood legend passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at his home at the Sundance resort in Utah, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 89.

“Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah—the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly,” Berger said in a statement.

The news of Robert Redford’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting a flood of tributes for a man who defined an era of filmmaking, embodied a rugged American ideal, and used his fame to champion causes close to his heart.

The Rise of a Reluctant Leading Man

Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1936, Redford had a restless youth. After the death of his mother, he left the University of Colorado and worked odd jobs to fund an adventure to Europe to study art. It was his return to the U.S. and a turn to theater that put him on the path to stardom.

His big break came on Broadway in “Barefoot in the Park,” a role he later reprised on the big screen with Jane Fonda. But it was his undeniable chemistry with fellow actor Paul Newman in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” that catapulted him to superstardom. The two would reunite for the Oscar-winning film “The Sting” in 1973, which earned Redford his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Over the next decade, Redford solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s biggest draws, starring in a string of iconic films, including the romantic classic “The Way We Were” with Barbra Streisand, the political thriller “All the President’s Men” with Dustin Hoffman, and the acclaimed sports drama “The Natural.” Despite being cast as a handsome leading man, Redford often felt trapped by the label and was determined to use his influence to tell meaningful stories.

A Visionary Behind the Camera

Redford’s passion for storytelling extended far beyond acting. He made his directorial debut in 1980 with “Ordinary People,” a poignant drama about a suburban family. The film was a critical success, earning Redford the Academy Award for Best Director and beating out Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” for Best Picture.

He went on to direct other acclaimed films, including “A River Runs Through It” and “Quiz Show,” which earned him further Oscar nominations. However, his most lasting contribution to the film industry came in 1981 when he founded the Sundance Institute.

The nonprofit was born from Redford’s desire to support independent filmmaking and provide a platform for new voices. It grew into the renowned Sundance Film Festival, which launched the careers of countless filmmakers, including Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, and Ryan Coogler.

A Champion for a Cause

Beyond his work in Hollywood, Robert Redford was a dedicated environmentalist. He moved to Utah in 1961, where he fell in love with the natural landscape of the American West. His passion for conservation was not just a hobby; it was a lifelong mission.

For nearly 50 years, Redford served as a trustee for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and used his public platform to advocate for environmental protection. He successfully fought against a proposed coal plant in southern Utah and founded The Redford Center with his late son, James, to produce films that inspire environmental action. He famously stated that the “defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad.”

Tributes Pour In

The news of Redford’s passing was met with heartfelt tributes from his friends and colleagues who were touched by his artistry and his character.

• Jane Fonda, his co-star in multiple films, said, “I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way.”
• Barbra Streisand remembered their time filming “The Way We Were,” saying, “Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting—and one of the finest actors ever.”
• Meryl Streep, his co-star in “Out of Africa,” simply said, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
• Director Ron Howard praised Redford’s influence, calling him an “Artistic Gamechanger” for his role in launching the independent film movement.

Legacy and Final Years

Robert Redford acted and directed well into his later years. At age 82, he starred in “The Old Man & the Gun,” a film he said would be his last. He often demurred when asked about retirement, believing that there was always more life to be lived.

Redford is survived by his wife, artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford, his daughters Shauna and Amy, and seven grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, David James Redford, who passed away in 2020. The family has requested privacy during this time.