Robert Redford, the quintessential Hollywood star who garnered an Oscar as a director, advocated liberal causes, and championed independent cinema as inspired by one of his iconic roles, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, announced that he died “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — a place dear to his heart, surrounded by beloved family.” The statement did not disclose the cause of death.
Actor Robert Redford while presenting introduction for a short film that uses animation, live action and still photography to show the sun as a source of energy in Burbank, March 28, 1980. Redford, who makes few public appearances, is the executive producer of the 10-minute film. Film was shown in the Los Angeles suburb of Burbank on Thursday night. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler) Actor Robert Redford holding Oscar he won for best director ?Ordinary People,? at the Academy Awards, March 31, 1981 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo) (Original Caption) Actor Robert Redford. Redford wears a sweater with the letter “W” on the front and a wide, white collar. ca. 1960’s. MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – DECEMBER 06: Robert Redford attends his Tribute during the 18th Marrakech International Film Festival -Day Eight- on December 06, 2019 in Marrakech, Morocco. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) (Original Caption) : UNDATED-Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand share a scene in “The Way We Were.” In “Big Bad Wolves,” published by Pantheon Books, Joan Mellen writes that “It is not only Gable who has seen his role in movies as one of perpetuating the image of male power. Robert Redford brings to the screen the same sensibility.” Redford and Streisand are shown embracing in this movie still. Movie released in 1973. Robert Redford attends ‘ The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 2021 award ceremony ‘ at Grimaldi Forum on October 29, 2021 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
After achieving fame in the 1960s, Redford became a leading actor of the 1970s, starring in classics like “The Candidate,” “All the President’s Men,” and “The Way We Were.” He concluded the decade with an Oscar for Best Director for 1980’s “Ordinary People,” which also won Best Picture that year. Known for his golden locks and charming smile, Redford was a highly sought-after actor, yet he strived to look beyond his physical appeal through political engagement, challenging roles, and supporting small-budget films.
Redford’s diverse roles included playing journalist Bob Woodward, a rugged frontiersman in “Jeremiah Johnson,” and a spy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He worked alongside stars like Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise. However, his most celebrated collaborations were with Paul Newman, a fellow activist, and friend, known for their playful camaraderie. Redford starred opposite Newman in the hit film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” as a clever outlaw; the Sundance Institute and festival were named after this movie. He also co-starred with Newman in “The Sting,” the 1973 Best Picture winner, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for portraying a young swindler in Prohibition-era Chicago.
Post-1970s, Redford appeared less frequently on screen, shifting focus to directing and producing while championing independent films through his Sundance Institute in the ’80s and ’90s. He led the cast in the Best Picture winning “Out of Africa” in 1985 and delivered one of his finest performances as a lone sailor in “All is Lost” in 2013. In 2018, he received accolades for his supposed final film, “The Old Man and the Gun.”
“I’ve had a lengthy career that I’m tremendously proud of. It’s been a journey that started when I was 21,” he shared with The Associated Press shortly before the release of his last film. “Now that I’m in my 80s, I feel it’s time to retire and enjoy more moments with my wife and family.”
