Hollywood mourns the passing of a true legend, Robert Redford, who left us on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Known as the quintessential “Hollywood golden boy,” Redford evolved far beyond his charming screen presence to become an esteemed Oscar-winning director, a passionate liberal activist, and the revered “godfather” of independent cinema.
According to publicist Cindi Berger, Redford passed away peacefully at his beloved Sundance home in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by his loved ones. The statement did not provide a cause of death.
Redford’s ascent to stardom began in the 1960s, and by the 1970s, he was undeniably one of the decade’s biggest names. His filmography from this period boasts classics like “The Candidate,” “All the President’s Men,” and “The Way We Were.” He capped off this remarkable decade by earning an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for his powerful drama “Ordinary People,” which also took home the Best Picture Oscar.
Despite his striking wavy blond hair and irresistible boyish grin, Redford was determined not to be defined solely by his good looks. He dedicated himself to a wide range of pursuits, from his unwavering political advocacy to deliberately choosing unglamorous roles. Perhaps his most enduring legacy, however, is his profound commitment to fostering independent filmmaking, providing a vital platform for low-budget movies through the acclaimed Sundance Institute and its renowned festival.
Throughout his illustrious career, Redford embodied a diverse array of characters. He brought to life the investigative journalist Bob Woodward, portrayed a rugged mountain man in “Jeremiah Johnson,” and even appeared as a double agent in the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe. He shared the screen with numerous esteemed co-stars, including the likes of Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise. Yet, it was his legendary partnership with his dear friend, fellow activist, and notorious prankster Paul Newman that truly captivated audiences. Their on-screen collaborations, like the iconic 1969 box-office smash “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”—which famously inspired the name for Redford’s Sundance Institute—and the 1973 Best Picture Oscar winner “The Sting,” perfectly mirrored their warm, teasing relationship off-screen. For “The Sting,” Redford earned a well-deserved Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a clever young con artist in 1930s Chicago.