Renowned actor, director, and producer Robert Redford, a quintessential figure of Hollywood and a trailblazer in independent cinema through the creation of the Sundance Institute and Festival, has died at the age of 89. The news of his passing at his Utah home was confirmed by his publicist and reported by numerous U.S. media outlets.
As reported by his public relations firm, Rogers & Cowan PMK, to the New York Times and cited by Reuters, Redford peacefully passed away in his sleep in Provo, Utah. Later, his representative, Cindi Berger, elaborated in a statement to AP News that he died at his beloved Sundance home, surrounded by loved ones. The exact cause of death remains undisclosed.
From Teen Idol to Cultural Icon
Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford began his acting career in the 1960s and emerged as a major star of American cinema during the 1970s. His wavy blonde hair and youthful smile earned him the status of a Hollywood heartthrob, yet he consistently sought to break away from that image with complex roles, political engagement, and ventures beyond the typical Hollywood glamour.
Redford starred in iconic films such as The Candidate (1972), All the President’s Men (1976), and The Way We Were (1973). His artistic partnership with Paul Newman resulted in two cinematic classics: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), which inspired the name of the Sundance Institute, and The Sting (1973), which won the Oscar for Best Picture.
In 1980, Redford established himself as a director, winning an Academy Award for Ordinary People, which also took home the Best Picture award. This marked the beginning of his career as a filmmaker, where he explored family dramas, political narratives, and literary adaptations.
Pioneering Independent Cinema
Beyond his on-screen and directorial accomplishments, Redford left a significant legacy by championing the independent film movement in the United States. By establishing the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival in Utah during the 1980s, he created a platform for emerging voices outside the mainstream industry.
In a 2018 interview with the AP, Redford expressed his passion for "independence." He stated, "I've always believed in it. Movies were dominated by commercial interests, and I saw other stories not being told. I thought I could devote my energies to giving them a chance." Thanks to Sundance, filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Darren Aronofsky found a venue to premiere their early works. The festival became a global beacon of independent cinema and, in 2025, announced plans to move to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027.
Enduring and Celebrated Career
While Redford shifted his focus to directing and producing from the 1980s onward, he continued to act in notable projects intermittently. In 1985, he co-starred in the Oscar-winning Out of Africa. In 2013, he delivered a critically acclaimed performance as the sole cast member in All Is Lost, a survival drama. His final film, The Old Man and the Gun, was released in 2018, which he described as his farewell to cinema. “I believe I’ve had a long and satisfying career. Now, as I enter my 80s, it might be time to retire and spend more time with my wife and family,” he shared with the AP.
Personal Life
Redford was married twice, most recently to German painter Sibylle Szaggars. He had four children, two of whom predeceased him: Scott Anthony, who died in infancy in 1959, and James Redford, a documentary filmmaker and activist who passed away in 2020.
A Farewell Befitting a Legend
With his passing, Hollywood bids farewell not only to a box office icon but also to a visionary who reshaped the industry by paving the way for new generations of filmmakers. “Change is inevitable; we must always evolve and grow. This has been the foundation of our survival,” Redford stated in a 2025 announcement regarding the future of the Sundance Festival. His words encapsulate a life dedicated to innovation and the pursuit of creative freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Redford
What is Robert Redford's legacy in independent cinema?
Robert Redford's legacy in independent cinema is largely defined by his creation of the Sundance Institute and Festival, which provided a platform for emerging filmmakers and helped launch the careers of numerous influential directors.
What are some of Robert Redford's most iconic film roles?
Some of Robert Redford's most iconic film roles include his performances in "The Candidate," "All the President’s Men," "The Way We Were," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and "The Sting."
How did Robert Redford influence the Sundance Film Festival?
Robert Redford influenced the Sundance Film Festival by founding it as a venue for independent filmmakers to showcase their work, effectively turning it into a globally recognized event that champions new voices and innovative storytelling.