Robert Redford, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, passed away at the age of 89 on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah. His family has requested privacy during this time of mourning. Redford's contributions to film spanned decades, beginning as a leading actor and transitioning into a successful director, earning an Academy Award for Best Director for "Ordinary People" in 1981. In 2002, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Redford is well-known for his memorable roles in classic films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," and "All the President’s Men." He was also instrumental in the founding of the Sundance Institute in 1981, an organization dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers, which grew out of the Utah/US Film Festival he helped establish in 1978. The Sundance Film Festival has since become the largest independent film festival in the United States.
In addition to his film career, Redford was an advocate for environmental issues. He founded the Redford Center in 2005, which focuses on creating films that promote environmental awareness. Throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of stewardship of the planet.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford began his acting career on Broadway in 1959 before making a name for himself in films and television. He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and two daughters, Amy and Shauna. Redford's legacy is marked by his significant impact on the film industry and his dedication to environmental advocacy.