Robert Redford in ‘The Old Man & the Gun’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Preview:
- Legendary actor and director Robert Redford has died aged 89.
- He had recently withdrawn from public appearances but remained active behind the scenes of the independent film world.
- In addition to his award-winning career on screen, he was a pioneering force in independent cinema through the Sundance Film Festival.
Robert Redford, the golden-haired icon of 1970s cinema and a quiet powerhouse behind the rise of independent film, has died at the age of 89.
Known to millions for his roles in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, ‘The Sting’, and ‘All the President’s Men’, Redford was one of the most recognizable — and bankable — actors of his era.
“Not that it matters, but most of it is true.”
Release Date: Sep 24, 1969
Run Time: 1 hr 51 min
Budget: $6,000,000
Cindi Berger, chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK, confirmed the news in a statement:
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16th, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Robert Redford: Early Life
Robert Redford in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18th, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford was raised in a working-class household before attending the University of Colorado. A brief stint as a traveling artist in Europe preceded his pivot to acting, which began on stage and soon transitioned to film and television.
By the late 1960s, Redford had become a star. His good looks and thoughtful performances made him a favorite among both audiences and critics. His breakthrough came in 1969’s ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ opposite Paul Newman, a film that would cement his place in Hollywood history.
Robert Redford: Film Stardom and Directorial Acclaim
Robert Redford in ‘All the President’s Men’. Photo: Warner Bros.
Throughout the 1970s, ‘80s and ’90s, Redford starred in a string of critical and commercial hits, including ‘The Way We Were’, ‘The Great Gatsby’, and ‘Three Days of the Condor’. He was often cast as the charming rebel or principled outsider, roles that mirrored his off-screen personality. Among his other memorable roles? ‘Sneakers’ and ‘Indecent Proposal’.
In 1980, Redford made his directorial debut with ‘Ordinary People’, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. He would go on to direct several more acclaimed films, including ‘A River Runs Through It’, ‘Quiz Show’ and ‘The Horse Whisperer’.
Robert Redford: Champion of Independent Film
Honorary Award winner Robert Redford. Photo: Powered by PhotoShelter for Brands.
In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, which would give rise to the Sundance Film Festival, now the premier showcase for independent cinema in the United States. His commitment to nurturing new voices and promoting storytelling beyond the Hollywood machine earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Robert Redford: Legacy
Robert Redford in ‘The Old Man & the Gun’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Though he officially announced his retirement from acting after 2018’s ‘The Old Man & the Gun’, (though his final role was reprising the role of Secretary Alexander Pierce for 2019’s ‘Avengers: Endgame’). Redford’s presence continued to loom large over American cinema. He occasionally lent his influence to environmental causes, political advocacy, and mentoring young filmmakers.
He leaves behind a towering legacy – not just as an actor and director, but as a steward of meaningful storytelling.
Redford is survived by his wife Sibylle Szaggars Redford, his children, and a generation of filmmakers who owe their careers to his vision and generosity.
Robert Redford in ‘The Candidate’. Photo: Warner Bros.
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