Hollywood has lost one of its brightest stars. Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away at the age of 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed that Redford died on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah. “Robert Redford passed away at his home in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly,” Berger said in a statement. The family has requested privacy during this time of grief.
Early Life and Struggles
Born in Santa Monica, California in 1936, Charles Robert Redford Jr. grew up in a modest household. His father worked long hours as both a milkman and later an accountant. Redford once admitted that he hardly saw his father during his childhood. His mother, to whom he was deeply attached, died when he was just 18, leaving a lasting mark on his life.
As a child, Redford found refuge in books, spending hours in the local library immersed in Greek and Roman mythology. He was restless in school, calling himself a poor student, more drawn to adventure and creativity than academics. In 1955, he earned a baseball scholarship at the University of Colorado. But tragedy struck the same year when he lost his mother, a turning point that fueled his search for meaning beyond the conventional path.
Breakthrough in Hollywood
Redford’s Hollywood journey was nothing short of legendary. His striking looks and natural charisma earned him early roles, but it was his nuanced performances that turned him into a household name. Films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and All the President’s Men (1976) cemented his place as one of the defining actors of his generation.
He was often described as the “golden boy” of Hollywood, but Redford was never comfortable with the label. Instead of basking in stardom, he used his influence to pursue stories with social and political depth.
Directorial Success
Redford proved he was more than just a leading man. His directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980), won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. He followed it with acclaimed projects like A River Runs Through It (1992), which showcased his eye for storytelling and his passion for human drama.
Passion for Independent Cinema
Perhaps Redford’s most enduring contribution to the world of cinema came through his commitment to independent filmmaking. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, which later gave rise to the Sundance Film Festival. What began as a platform for indie voices grew into one of the most important film festivals in the world, nurturing talents like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh.
“Independent film needed a voice, and Robert gave it that voice,” a fellow filmmaker once remarked. For Redford, Sundance was never just an event; it was a movement that reshaped how stories were told on screen.
Environmental Activism
Redford’s love for Utah was more than personal. He moved there in 1961 and became a fierce advocate for environmental conservation. He used his platform to speak on climate change, wildlife preservation, and the importance of protecting natural landscapes.
In a 2018 interview, he explained, “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?” His words reflected not only his view on acting but also his lifelong fight for the planet.
In 2020, during the devastating wildfires in the western United States, Redford penned a passionate op-ed for CNN, warning of the dangers of ignoring climate change.
Later Career and Personal Loss
Even in his later years, Redford continued to grace the screen. In 2017, he reunited with Jane Fonda for Our Souls at Night on Netflix. A year later, at 82, he starred in The Old Man & the Gun, which he called his final acting role.
That same year, Redford faced personal tragedy when his son, David James Redford, died at 58 from cancer. David, much like his father, was an activist, filmmaker, and philanthropist.
Legacy That Lives On
Robert Redford was more than a Hollywood icon. He was a storyteller, an activist, and a visionary. His impact stretched beyond the silver screen into the realms of social justice, environmental advocacy, and cultural change.
He leaves behind four children, a legacy of films that continue to inspire, and a festival that gave countless filmmakers their first break. Above all, he leaves behind a reminder that cinema can be both art and activism.
As fans and the film industry mourn his passing, one thing is certain: Robert Redford’s voice will echo for generations to come. His work, his words, and his vision will continue to guide storytellers and dreamers worldwide.