(KTLA) — Hollywood is mourning the death of acting legend Robert Redford.
Social media was abuzz with celebrities lauding Redford’s artistic contributions, his advocacy efforts, and his pivotal role in establishing the Sundance Film Festival, a cornerstone for independent filmmakers.
Actress Rita Wilson expressed her admiration on Instagram, saying, “Robert Redford. Your art endures. Your passion for nurturing young filmmakers brought us the Sundance Film Festival. You highlighted the beauty of nature. As a director, you offered us a unique perspective. Your legacy will last forever, and you will be dearly missed. May your memory shine bright forever.”
Jamie Lee Curtis shared an image of Redford as the “Sundance Kid” with a poignant caption: “A LIFE! FAMILY • ART • TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY • CREATION • LEGACY. Thank you Robert Redford.”
Meryl Streep, who starred alongside Redford in “Out of Africa,” issued a heartfelt statement via Deadline, saying, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.”
Marlee Matlin credited Sundance for spotlighting their film “CODA,” remarking, “And Sundance existed because of Robert Redford. A genius has left us. RIP Robert,” on X.
Actor Colman Domingo wrote, “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
Ron Howard, actor and filmmaker, honored Redford on X, stating, “#RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a remarkably influential cultural figure through the creative paths as an actor/producer/director & for establishing the Sundance Film Festival, which invigorated America’s Independent Film scene. An Artistic Trailblazer.”
“A real life movie star has moved on,” wrote Jeremy Piven. “Every time he was on screen, it was rooted in sincerity and humor, totally present… He was so good looking this may have been overlooked a bit. it’s been imitated, but authenticity is the highest vibration and his beautiful frequency will carry on #rip.”
Rosie O’Donnell posted a photo of Redford alongside Barbra Streisand from “The Way We Were.”
“Oh Hubbell – we will never be the same – goodnight Bob – what a legacy,” she wrote on Instagram.
The Academy Award winner, who was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Van Nuys, passed away at 89 at his Utah home, his publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement on Tuesday. No cause of death was provided.
He is survived by his two children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
