Robert Redford, actor, director, and Sundance founder, dies at 89 at his Utah home, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema and activism.
Robert Redford, Hollywood legend, dies at 89
Death confirmed in Utah home
Robert Redford, the celebrated actor, director, and environmental activist, has died at the age of 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying Redford passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family and loved ones.
A career that shaped modern cinema
Redford rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with defining roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. He later transitioned to directing, earning an Academy Award for Ordinary People in 1980. Beyond the screen, he became a driving force for independent film by founding the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, helping launch the careers of countless filmmakers.
From athlete to artist to actor
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1936, Redford initially pursued baseball on a college scholarship before shifting his focus to art. His travels in Europe shaped his early creative path, but upon returning to the U.S., he found his way to Broadway and television. By the late 1950s, he had become a full-time performer, and soon after, a Hollywood leading man.
A retreat to Utah
Despite international fame, Redford sought a private life away from Hollywood. In the 1970s, he settled in Utah, building a home in the mountains that became both his sanctuary and the birthplace of Sundance. For decades, he split his time between filmmaking and environmental advocacy, often citing Utah’s landscapes as central to his identity.
Legacy of activism
Redford was a vocal supporter of climate action and conservation, founding the Redford Center in 2005 with his son James to inspire environmental awareness through film. He used his platform to oppose the Keystone XL pipeline and to advocate for renewable energy, positioning himself as one of Hollywood’s most visible environmental champions.
Tributes from peers
The announcement of his passing sparked tributes across the film industry. Actress Meryl Streep, who starred with Redford in Out of Africa, called him “one of the lions.” Jane Fonda described him as a “beautiful person in every way,” while Morgan Freeman remembered their instant friendship on set. The Sundance Institute praised its founder as a visionary whose passion “redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world.”
An enduring influence
Over a six-decade career, Robert Redford left an indelible mark on film, culture, and activism. His blend of charisma, talent, and purpose ensured his influence reached far beyond Hollywood. Canadians, too, will remember him as an artist who used the power of cinema not only to entertain but also to challenge and inspire.
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