Hollywood icon Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89. His representative confirmed to Fox that Redford died peacefully on September 16, 2025, at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Redford leaves behind an indelible mark on cinema, with a career spanning over five decades, filled with unforgettable performances, directorial achievements, and a profound commitment to independent filmmaking.
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford initially pursued art before discovering his passion for acting. He honed his craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made early appearances on television shows like The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The Untouchables. His Broadway debut in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park led to a breakout role in the film adaptation alongside Jane Fonda, cementing his status as a rising star.
The 1970s became Redford’s decade, as he dominated the box office with a string of critically acclaimed films. He starred in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Company You Keep, The Sting, The Candidate, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men.
Hollywood lost another star in Robert Redford Jr.
His portrayal of Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward during the Watergate scandal in All the President’s Men showcased his ability to tackle complex, real-world roles with depth and intensity. Redford’s versatility was further proven when he won an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for Ordinary People, a film that also took home the Oscar for Best Picture.
Beyond his acting prowess, Robert Redford was a passionate advocate for independent cinema. He founded the Sundance Film Festival, transforming it from a small training ground for filmmakers in Utah into the most important independent film festival in the world. “For me, the word to be underscored is ‘independence,’” Redford once stated. “I’ve always believed in that word. That’s what led to me eventually wanting to create a category that supported independent artists who weren’t given a chance to be heard.”
He recognized the control wielded by mainstream studios and felt a strong desire to provide a platform for untold stories and emerging talent. By 2025, the festival’s growth necessitated a relocation from Park City. Redford’s influence extended beyond the silver screen. He was even almost Superman.
He often tackled political themes in his films, such as his role as an idealistic U.S. Senate hopeful in The Candidate, a performance that delivered the iconic line, “What do we do now?” His dedication to his craft and his principles earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including an honorary Oscar in 2002, which recognized him as an “actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere.” In 2016, President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
While Redford stepped back from acting in the ’80s and ’90s to focus on directing and nurturing independent film, he still delivered memorable performances in films like Out of Africa (1985) with Meryl Streep and the critically lauded survival film All Is Lost (2013). His directorial efforts also included The Horse Whisperer and Quiz Show, the latter earning him Oscar nominations for best picture and director.
Robert Redford was married twice and is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and his children. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Scott Anthony and James Redford. His passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, but his legacy as a pioneering filmmaker, a compelling actor, and a tireless champion of independent cinema will undoubtedly endure.
Published: Sep 16, 2025 03:50 pm