• Robert Redford dies at 89 at his beloved Sundance home, leaving behind a legendary career spanning acting, directing and activism.
• Creator of the Sundance Film Festival, political and environmental advocate, and one of Hollywood’s last icons of classic cinema.
• Loved for his roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, and his Oscar-winning directorial work; remembered for more than just his star power.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (TDR) — Robert Redford, the Hollywood icon who redefined how artistry, activism, and independent film intersect, died Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at age 89. He passed away in his sleep at his home in Utah, surrounded by family, a statement from his publicist confirmed. The cause of death was not disclosed.

A Life Made Radiant Onstage and On Film

Chuck Robert Redford Jr. was born August 18, 1936, in Van Nuys, California. He first made waves on stage and television, then burst into movie stardom in the late 1960s with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He and Paul Newman charmed audiences in that Western outlaw tale, establishing a chemistry that would shadow much of Redford’s career.

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He followed that with performances in The Sting, Jeremiah Johnson, The Way We Were, The Great Gatsby, All the President’s Men and more, each role deepening his reputation as more than just a handsome leading man. His presence conveyed rebellion, artistry, and moral weight.

Behind the Camera and Beyond the Spotlight

Redford’s contributions weren’t confined to acting. He made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, a film that won Best Picture and Best Director in 1980. He went on to direct Quiz Show, A River Runs Through It, among others, pushing boundaries of storytelling and character.

His heartbeat was independent film. He co-founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, creating a platform for unknown talents, visionary filmmakers and stories outside the mainstream. He believed in creative risk and letting new voices be heard.

Activism, Legacy and Principles

In addition to cinema, Redford was a fierce advocate for environmental causes, civil rights, and social justice. He co-founded The Redford Center, supported conservation efforts, and used his celebrity to raise awareness for climate change and preservation of the American West’s natural beauty.

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He won numerous honors: Academy Awards (including Best Director for Ordinary People), the Presidential Medal of Freedom, lifetime achievement awards, and more. But those were only part of the story — his real impact was mentorship, vision, pushing others to do more than just entertain.

Final Days & Remembering Robert Redford

Redford died at his residence in the hills of Sundance, Utah — the place he frequently cited as both inspiration and refuge. His publicist described him as surrounded by loved ones and at peace. The family has respectfully asked for privacy during this time of mourning.

Colleagues, critics, filmmakers and fans are reacting with shock and sorrow. Social media is flooded with tributes from actors, directors, lovers of cinema, young filmmakers who found their voice because Sundance believed in them.

What the World Loses

Robert Redford wasn’t just a star: he was a bridge between eras. He saw Hollywood’s transition from studio dominance to independent film, from classic westerns and action to complex moral stories. He wasn’t afraid to challenge himself or his audience.

In a world where many chase fame, Redford chased meaning. Whether guiding a camera, stepping onto a mountaintop, or speaking out for the environment, he lived with authenticity.

Robert Redford has gone home — but his stories, his festival, his films will linger, reminding us what cinema can achieve when you dare to dream beyond the spotlight.

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