Hollywood loses its leading man, catalyst for indie film, and devoted environmental advocate

September 16, 2025 — Charles Robert Redford Jr., the celebrated actor, director, producer, and founder of one of the world’s most influential film festivals, has passed away at age 89. He died in his sleep at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by loved ones.

A Storied Career in Front of and Behind the Camera

Redford’s journey in cinema stretched over six decades. He became a defining leading man of the late 1960s and ’70s, known for his charisma and star power in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men. His performances combined rugged attractiveness with a vulnerability that made him a star both of the people and of substance.

As a director, Redford proved equally gifted. His film Ordinary People (1980) earned him an Academy Award for Best Director. He continued to tackle meaningful stories with movies like The Horse Whisperer, Quiz Show, A River Runs Through It, and more.

Champion of Independent Film & Environmental Causes

Perhaps as big as his acting and directing was his impact off-screen. Redford founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, creating a space for independent filmmakers to be heard, seen, and celebrated. This turned what might have been a retreat into a global launching pad for new voices in cinema.

A lifelong advocate for nature and the environment, he co-founded nonprofits and lent his voice to causes ranging from land preservation to climate storytelling. His environmental activism was not peripheral—it was core to his identity.

Final Performances, Personal Life, and Legacy

Though Redford officially stepped back from regular acting after The Old Man & the Gun in 2018, he made a surprise cameo in 2025 in the series Dark Winds.

He was married to artist Sibylle Szaggars, and is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had four children from his first marriage, two of whom died—one in infancy and one in recent years.

What His Loss Means

Robert Redford’s passing marks the end of an era. He was one of the few figures who bridged classic Hollywood glamour, meaningful filmmaking, and activist advocacy. His roles inspired, his directorial efforts provoked thought, and his foundation for independent film altered the industry’s landscape.

He leaves behind not just a large body of cinematic work, but a legacy of mentorship, environmental awareness, and belief in the power of storytelling to challenge, reflect, and change.

Remembering Robert Redford: an actor whose love for the land matched his love for the craft, a director who always looked for truth, and a visionary who urged others to follow their own voice. The world of film—and beyond—is quieter without him, but richer because he was here.