Robert Redford, Beloved Actor and Sundance Founder, Dies at 89

Robert Redford, the towering figure of American cinema known for both his charismatic screen presence and his devoted advocacy for independent film and environmental causes, has died at age 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger of Rogers & Cowan PMK, announced that he passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those dearest to him.

Redford’s career spanned more than six decades, during which he became one of the most beloved and versatile actors in Hollywood. He rose to fame with early standout roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, and later turned to directing, with acclaimed works like Ordinary People. Despite never winning a competitive Best Actor Oscar, his talents were honoured with a lifetime achievement Oscar, and he garnered many other awards throughout his life.

Beyond acting, Redford’s impact on cinema extended deeply into independent film. In the 1970s and 1980s, he founded the Sundance Institute and launched the Sundance Film Festival, which under his stewardship became a vital platform for new voices and risk-taking in storytelling. He remained deeply committed to the art of film and to helping filmmakers who might not fit traditional studio molds.

Redford was also a significant environmental advocate. He made Utah his home, investing his efforts into preserving the natural beauty of the American West. His activism extended beyond personal action to institutional commitment through environmental organizations.

Among his final acting roles was the 2017 Netflix film Our Souls at Night, in which he reunited with Jane Fonda. In 2018, he appeared in The Old Man & the Gun, which he said could be one of his last, though he resisted the idea of retiring out of love for life and creativity.

Redford’s personal life included both triumph and tragedy. He was born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, and moved later in life to Utah. He had four children; his eldest son, David James Redford, died in 2020 after a battle with cancer.

His death has drawn widespread tributes from fellow actors, directors, and admirers across the globe. Many have reflected on not just the films he made, but the example he set: of artistry, integrity, and caring for both community and nature.

Robert Redford leaves behind a cinematic legacy that goes beyond box office highs. He helped reshape what American film could be — more independent, more socially conscious, more rooted in both place and purpose.