Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute, has died at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully “in his sleep” at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by those he loved, according to his publicist Cindi Berger
Key Facts & Legacy
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Redford became one of the most iconic stars of the 1970s for his roles in films like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men.
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He won the Oscar for Best Director for Ordinary People (1980), a film that also won Best Picture.
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Redford was a major advocate for independent film. He founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, helping launch the careers of many filmmakers.
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Apart from his film work, he was known for his environmental activism and efforts toward political and social issues.
Public and Industry Reaction
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Tributes have poured in from actors, directors, and public figures: Meryl Streep called him “one of the lions,” and many others praised his impact on film, culture, and activism.
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He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and others in his family. The family has asked for privacy during this time.
What This Means
Robert Redford’s death marks the loss of one of Hollywood’s greats — not just for his unforgettable screen presence, but for the way he shaped independent filmmaking and used his voice for causes he believed in. His legacy will live on not only in his films but in the community he built around Sundance and in the many artists he supported.