The world of cinema mourns the loss of Robert Redford, the quintessential Hollywood golden boy who evolved into an esteemed Oscar-winning director, passionate liberal activist, and the revered “godfather” of independent cinema. He passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a monumental legacy.
Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed he died peacefully at his cherished Sundance home in the mountains of Utah – a place he deeply loved and where he was surrounded by his family. No specific cause of death was disclosed.
After rising to immense stardom in the 1960s, Redford solidified his status as one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. His memorable performances graced films like “The Candidate,” “All the President’s Men,” and “The Way We Were.” He capped off this remarkable decade with an Academy Award for Best Director for his powerful 1980 drama, “Ordinary People,” which also earned the Best Picture Oscar.
His iconic wavy blond hair and irresistible boyish grin made him one of Hollywood’s most desired leading men. Yet, Redford consistently strove to transcend his dashing image, whether through his fervent political advocacy, his willingness to embrace challenging, unglamorous roles, or his unwavering dedication to fostering a vital platform for low-budget, independent movies through the Sundance Institute.
Redford’s extensive career spanned diverse roles, from the tenacious Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward to a rugged mountain man in “Jeremiah Johnson,” and even a double agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He shared the screen with an array of legendary co-stars including Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise. However, it was his enduring partnership with his dear friend, fellow activist, and notorious prankster, Paul Newman, that produced some of his most beloved works. Their on-screen chemistry, a reflection of their warm and playful off-screen relationship, shone brightly. Redford famously played the cunning outlaw in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” a box-office phenomenon that inspired the name of his renowned Sundance Institute and film festival. He reunited with Newman for the 1973 Best Picture Oscar winner, “The Sting,” where Redford earned a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a young, ambitious con artist in 1930s Chicago.