Robert Redford Is Dead at 89: A Look Back on the Life and Legacy of a Hollywood Icon
Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute, Robert Redford, has died at 89. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah, the place he loved most, surrounded by friends and family.
A Star Is Born
Charles Robert Redford was born in Santa Monica, California, on August 18, 1936, and spent his formative years immersed in athletics and the arts.
- He attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship.
- He later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
- Early television appearances included The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
- He also delivered a standout performance on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.
Hollywood Stardom
Redford’s first high-profile film role came in 1969 as the Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Its success propelled him to stardom.
Other notable films include:
- The Way We Were (1973)
- All the President’s Men (1976)
- The Sting (1973)
One of his most celebrated roles was his portrayal of Bob Woodward in All the President’s Men.
A Visionary Director
Redford transitioned to directing with Ordinary People in 1980, earning the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture.
Other notable films he directed and produced:
- The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)
- A River Runs Through It (1992)
- The Horse Whisperer (1998)
He gained a reputation as a storyteller who explored complex themes with integrity.
Champion of Independent Film
- In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute in Utah, which eventually gave rise to the Sundance Film Festival.
- The festival became a major platform for independent filmmakers, showcasing films that might not find space in mainstream Hollywood.
- Redford’s dedication to nurturing new voices in cinema has left a global impact.
Activism and Legacy
Beyond film, Redford was deeply involved in environmental and social rights causes:
- Advocate for conservation, Native American rights, and LGBT rights
- Used his platform to champion social causes
- Received numerous awards for his contributions to arts and activism, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016
Personal Life
- Married twice:
- Lola Van Wagenen – four children
- Sibylle Szaggars – married in 2009
- Two of his children predeceased him:
- Scott Anthony, who died in infancy
- James Redford, a filmmaker and activist who passed away in 2020
Tributes and Remembrances
After his death, tributes poured in from the entertainment world:
- Barbra Streisand (The Way We Were) – “one of the great actors of all time”
- Meryl Streep (Out of Africa) – “one of the lions of cinema”
- Other notable figures, including Jane Fonda, Martin Scorsese, and Leonardo DiCaprio, praised Redford for his contributions to film and mentorship in the industry
Final Years and Retirement
- In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting, saying he had always wanted to “go out on a good role.”
- In 2025, he made a surprise cameo on the TV series Dark Winds, delighting fans.
- Even in his later years, he continued engaging with the film community, attending events, and supporting new filmmakers.
A Lasting Legacy
Robert Redford’s death marks the end of an era in Hollywood.
- His contributions in front of and behind the camera shaped the history of film.
- His commitment to social causes and independent filmmaking continues to inspire generations.
- Tributes affirm that Redford’s legacy will endure, highlighting the power of storytelling and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
