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Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures. Academy Award-winning actor, director, and activist Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89. According to The New York Times, the iconic star died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Utah, just outside of Provo.
Redford’s career spanned six decades, defining American cinema through his magnetic performances and groundbreaking work behind the camera. He shot to fame with his unforgettable portrayal of the Sundance Kid opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) before solidifying his leading man status in hits like The Sting (1973) and All the President’s Men (1976).
In 1980, Redford stepped behind the camera to direct Ordinary People, a moving family drama that earned him the Academy Award for Best Director. His other notable directorial credits include A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994), films praised for their depth, humanity, and attention to detail.
Redford’s commitment to storytelling extended far beyond Hollywood. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, an organisation dedicated to nurturing independent filmmakers and giving a platform to unique voices in cinema. Today, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the industry, credited with launching countless careers and changing the landscape of independent film.
Robert Redford as the journalist Bob Woodward with Dustin Hoffman, right, as Carl Bernstein in All the President’s Men, 1976 – Credit: Pictorial Press /Alamy
Tributes from across the entertainment world flooded social media following news of his passing. Actress Jane Fonda said, “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin added, “Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed.”
Redford’s co-star in Out of Africa, Meryl Streep, remembered him tenderly: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
Actor James Dreyfus honoured Redford by sharing a poster of Ordinary People and calling him “truly legendary.” Jamie Lee Curtis, William Shatner, Ron Howard, Antonio Banderas, and even Hillary Clinton all posted tributes, underlining Redford’s cultural impact far beyond film.
Redford’s final acting role came in 2018 with The Old Man & the Gun, a fitting swan song for a career that exemplified charm, depth, and artistry. Beyond the screen, he was a tireless advocate for environmental protection and social justice causes, championing progressive values that inspired generations.
Robert Redford leaves behind four children, seven grandchildren, and an extraordinary legacy that changed the face of American cinema. His work, on screen, behind the camera, and through Sundance, will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences for decades to come.
