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Iconic Actor and Director Passes Away Peacefully
Robert Redford, the legendary Hollywood actor, director, and environmental activist, died peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah. He was 89 years old. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for his roles in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men, leaves behind an indelible legacy in American cinema.
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Redford's career began in the 1960s with television appearances before breaking into film with War Hunt (1962). His breakthrough came with the 1969 western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where he starred alongside Paul Newman. The film established him as a major Hollywood star and led to numerous iconic roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1980, Redford transitioned to directing with Ordinary People, which won him the Academy Award for Best Director. The film also won Best Picture, cementing his reputation as a formidable talent behind the camera. 'I've devoted so much of my life to it' Redford once said about his passion for filmmaking.
Sundance Legacy and Environmental Activism
Beyond his acting and directing, Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1981, which became the premier showcase for independent films. The festival revolutionized the film industry by providing a platform for emerging filmmakers and diverse voices.
Redford was also a dedicated environmental activist, serving as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council and advocating for climate action. Former President Barack Obama called him 'one of the foremost conservationists of our generation' when awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Hollywood Tributes Pour In
Following news of his passing, tributes flooded in from across the entertainment industry. Jane Fonda, his frequent co-star, wrote: 'He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America that we have to keep fighting for.'
Meryl Streep, who starred with Redford in Out of Africa, described him as 'one of the lions has passed'. Barbra Streisand, his co-star in The Way We Were, released a statement praising his charisma and intelligence.
Redford is survived by his wife Sibylle Szaggars, whom he married in 2009, and his children Shauna, James, and Amy. His son Scott predeceased him in infancy.
