Robert Redford, the celebrated actor, filmmaker, and passionate environmental advocate, has died at the age of 89. Renowned for his magnetic presence on screen and his unwavering commitment to independent cinema and nature conservation, Redford’s influence spanned decades.
According to his spokesperson, Cindi Berger, Redford passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at his beloved Sundance home nestled in the mountains of Utah. “He left this world surrounded by loved ones in the place he cherished most. His absence will be deeply felt,” Berger shared.
Redford’s rise to stardom was marked by iconic roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), and All the President’s Men (1976). Transitioning behind the camera, he earned critical acclaim directing movies like Ordinary People, which garnered him the Academy Award for Best Director, as well as A River Runs Through It and Quiz Show.
In 1981, Redford established the Sundance Institute, a groundbreaking organization that revolutionized the landscape of American independent film. The Sundance Film Festival, held annually, became a launchpad for visionary directors like Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, and Ryan Coogler, who have since shaped modern cinema.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Redford was a fervent environmentalist. After relocating to Utah in 1961, he emerged as a prominent advocate for the preservation of the American West. His activism extended to combating climate change, safeguarding natural habitats, and championing the rights of Indigenous communities.
Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford’s early years were marked by both adversity and artistic exploration. Following the loss of his mother during his college years, he navigated various jobs and pursued art studies in Europe before embarking on an acting career in New York. His breakthrough came with the Broadway production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park (1963), a role he later reprised alongside Jane Fonda in the film adaptation.
In his later career, Redford continued to captivate audiences, reuniting with Jane Fonda in the Netflix film Our Souls at Night (2017) and starring in The Old Man & the Gun (2018), which he announced as his final acting performance. Throughout his life, he remained deeply engaged in environmental causes.
Redford’s personal journey included moments of joy and sorrow. His first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen brought four children, though their eldest son, Scott, tragically died in infancy. His son David, known for his work as a filmmaker and activist, passed away from cancer in 2020. In 2009, Redford married artist Sibylle Szaggars, with whom he shared his later years.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the film industry, Redford received an honorary Oscar in 2002. His enduring legacy lives on not only through his memorable films but also through the independent artists he nurtured and the natural environments he tirelessly worked to protect.
He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, daughters Shauna and Amy, and seven grandchildren.
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