Robert Redford, Iconic Actor and Director, Dies at 89

Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and activist who shaped generations of American cinema, has died at the age of 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed his passing in a statement, noting that Redford died on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by loved ones.

“Robert Redford passed away … at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah—the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly,” Berger said. She added that the family has requested privacy.

Hollywood Stardom and Directorial Success

Redford became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces with his performances in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and All the President’s Men (1976). Beyond acting, he proved himself as a filmmaker, earning the Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People (1980). His later directorial work included A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994).

Despite his matinee-idol looks and frequent casting as a romantic lead, Redford often resisted being defined solely by his image. He worked to take on challenging projects that expanded the scope of mainstream cinema.

Founder of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival

In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent film and theater. The institute grew into a cornerstone of global cinema, hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, now considered the premier showcase for independent filmmaking in the United States.

Sundance helped launch the careers of directors like Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, and Ryan Coogler, cementing Redford’s influence beyond his own filmography.

Commitment to Environmental Causes

Redford was a longtime environmentalist, moving to Utah in 1961 and dedicating much of his life to preserving the American West. He often tied his advocacy to his artistry, bringing awareness of conservation issues through film, writing, and public speaking.

In an opinion piece for CNN in 2020, Redford criticized the lack of focus on climate change during widespread wildfires, calling for urgent action.

Later Career and Final Performances

Even in his later years, Redford continued acting. He reunited with Jane Fonda in Our Souls at Night (2017) and starred in The Old Man & the Gun (2018), which he described as his final acting role.

Asked about retirement, Redford once told CBS Sunday Morning: “To me, retirement means stopping something or quitting something. There’s this life to lead—why not live it as much as you can as long as you can?”

Early Life and Path to Stardom

Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1936, Redford grew up in a working-class household. His father held jobs as a milkman and later an accountant. His mother, who passed away when Redford was just 19, was a major source of encouragement for his creative pursuits.

Redford briefly attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship but left after struggling academically and personally. After a period of travel and art study in Europe, he pursued theater in New York City, graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1959.

His Broadway role in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park (1963) propelled him into film, leading to his breakout success later that decade.

Personal Life

Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, with whom he had four children: Scott (who died in infancy), Shauna, David, and Amy. David Redford, a filmmaker and activist, died of cancer in 2020 at age 58. Redford and Van Wagenen divorced in 1985. In 2009, he married artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford.

Legacy

Redford’s impact extended far beyond Hollywood. He combined his artistic achievements, environmental advocacy, and support for independent voices into a legacy that reshaped American culture.

In 2002, the Academy honored him with an Honorary Oscar for his contributions to film. His influence continues through the Sundance Institute and the filmmakers it supports.

Robert Redford is survived by his wife Sibylle, daughters Shauna Redford Schlosser and Amy Redford, and seven grandchildren.