Robert Redford and Paul Newman in 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men and biggest box-office stars of the 1970s, died today (September 16, 2025) at age 89, in his sleep at his home “in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” was how his publicist shared the news. During his exceptional career, the film giant shared top billing with many of the world’s biggest names including Paul Newman, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and Meryl Streep. By the mid-’80s, he took on far less acting roles to direct films, while also founding the Sundance Institute and co-founding the Sundance Film Festival, and dedicating time to environmental causes. Many Hollywood stars are offering tributes to Redford (see below).
One of the most iconic actors of his generation, Redford is perhaps best known for his role opposite Newman as the Sundance Kid in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the namesake for the festival.
Born in Santa Monica, Calif. on August 18, 1936, Redford discovered his love of acting and found initial success on stage, earning acclaim starring in the 1963 Broadway production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, while also pursuing roles on screen, appearing on TV series like Maverick and Perry Mason. After appearing alongside Marlon Brando in The Chase in 1965, Redford reprised his role in the 1967 film adaptation of Barefoot in the Park opposite Jane Fonda.
Redford soon became a major star in such memorable films as Butch Cassidy…, 1972’s The Candidate and Jeremiah Johnson, 1973’s The Sting, again with Paul Newman, and The Way We Were opposite Barbra Streisand, 1975’s Three Days of the Condor and 1976’s All the President’s Men opposite Dustin Hoffman.
In 1978, Redford’s business partner Sterling Van Wagenen was inspired to launch an independent film festival, leading to the pair collaborating on the Sundance Film Festival, which has since become one of the most relevant and respected film festivals in the world.
Redford made his directorial debut in 1980 with the family drama, Ordinary People. The film, starring Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland and Timothy Hutton, earned Redford his sole Academy Award in competition, and went on to win Best Picture.
His other directorial efforts include 1983’s A River Runs Through It and 1994’s Quiz Show. His final acting performance was in 2018’s The Old Man and the Gun opposite Sissy Spacek.
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#RIP & thank you RobertRedford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger https://t.co/HswHhmWq2D
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) September 16, 2025
Meryl Streep, who starred with Redford in 1985’s Out of Africa, paid tribute. “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 16, 2025
Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert. pic.twitter.com/nwttVD1GvL
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) September 16, 2025
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