Robert Redford Dies at 89

Robert Redford, the celebrated actor, director, and creator of the Sundance Film Festival, has died at 89. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Utah home early Tuesday morning, according to his representative.

Robert Redford died peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, on September 16, 2025, surrounded by family. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. His family has asked for privacy at this time, according to a statement from Cindi Berger of Rogers & Cowan PMK.

Hollywood Legacy

Robert Redford became a cinematic icon through memorable performances in films like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, *The Way We Were*, *All the President’s Men*, and *The Sting*. He captivated audiences with his charm, whether portraying rebels, reporters, or politicians. His effortless presence on screen made him a leading actor of the late 1960s and 70s.

He also played Alexander Pierce in Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

He was also a successful director, earning an Academy Award for *Ordinary People* in 1980. He went on to direct other well-known films like *A River Runs Through It*, *Quiz Show*, and *The Horse Whisperer*.

Sundance and Independent Film

Robert Redford’s influence extends far beyond his work in front of or behind the camera. He really changed the landscape of American cinema when he founded the Sundance Institute back in 1981, which blossomed into the Sundance Film Festival we know today. As a critic, I can tell you it’s become *the* place to discover exciting new, independent voices – it’s where filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Paul Thomas Anderson first gained recognition, and continues to be a vital launchpad for talent.

Personal Life

Charles Redford Jr., born in 1936, spent his childhood in Santa Monica and honed his acting skills in New York City. He was married twice and had four children, but sadly, two of his sons passed away. His life included significant personal loss.

Robert Redford was a dedicated environmentalist and supporter of social justice who never hesitated to speak out on important issues. In 2016, President Obama recognized his work in both film and activism by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Final Years

Redford continued to act well into his eighties, appearing in films like *All Is Lost*, *The Old Man and the Gun*, and even making a brief appearance in *Avengers: Endgame*. He retired from his public role at the Sundance Institute in 2019, but he continued to be a respected figure in the film industry.

He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and daughters Shauna and Amy.

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2025-09-16 16:31