Robert Redford, Legendary Actor, Director, and Sundance Founder, Dies at 89
Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men and the Oscar-winning director of Ordinary People, has died at the age of 89. Known for his golden-boy looks, powerful performances, and groundbreaking contributions to independent cinema, Redford leaves behind a legacy that shaped generations of filmmakers and movie lovers.
The news was confirmed by Cindi Berger, CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who shared in a statement:
“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. The family requests privacy at this time.”
A Hollywood Icon
Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford rose to stardom in the 1960s and 1970s with unforgettable roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. His charisma, tousled blond hair, and effortless screen presence made him one of the most bankable stars of his era.
By the 1980s, Redford transitioned into directing, earning critical acclaim and winning the Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People in 1980. His directorial work included A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show, and The Legend of Bagger Vance, each reflecting his deep interest in human stories and moral complexity.
Founder of Sundance and Champion of Independent Film
Beyond acting and directing, Redford changed the film industry by founding the Sundance Institute in 1981. What began as a small filmmakers’ lab in Utah grew into the Sundance Film Festival, the most important platform for independent cinema in the United States. Through Sundance, Redford gave countless new filmmakers the chance to showcase their work, reshaping modern storytelling on screen.
Later Career and Final Roles
Even into his later years, Redford continued to captivate audiences. He starred in All Is Lost (2013), a nearly wordless survival drama praised for its raw intensity, and in The Old Man & the Gun (2018), a fitting farewell to his legendary acting career. He also reprised his role as Secretary Alexander Pierce in Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame (2019), delighting fans across generations.
Activism and Advocacy
Redford was also deeply committed to environmental causes, using his platform to advocate for the protection of public lands and wildlife. He often spoke out on political and social issues, aligning his artistry with activism in ways few stars of his stature dared.
Legacy and Survivors
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, two children, and several grandchildren. Colleagues and fans alike are remembering him not only as a movie star but also as a visionary who elevated independent filmmaking and left an indelible mark on cinema history.
Sydney Pollack, Redford’s longtime collaborator, once summed up his artistry:
“He’s a very instinctive, impulsive actor. Nothing feels premeditated. That honesty and bravery is what made him unforgettable.”
From The Sundance Kid to the Sundance Festival, Robert Redford’s name will forever be synonymous with American cinema, artistic freedom, and timeless storytelling.