Robert Redford, the actor, filmmaker, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, has passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah. His representative confirmed the news Tuesday, saying Redford passed away “surrounded by those he loved” and requesting privacy for the family.
Disney+, Hulu, and ABC will air Robert Redford: The Life and Legacy of an American Icon on Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Redford’s career bridged the worlds of Hollywood blockbusters, acclaimed dramas, and independent cinema. He became a household name through classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973), All the President’s Men (1976), and The Natural (1984).
As a filmmaker, he won the Best Director Academy Award for Ordinary People (1980) and received a second nomination for Quiz Show (1994). He also directed A River Runs Through It (1992) and The Horse Whisperer (1998), among others.
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Founding Sundance and Supporting Independent Film
Beyond acting and directing, Redford reshaped American cinema with the creation of the Sundance Institute in 1981 and the Sundance Film Festival, which became the premier showcase for independent filmmakers worldwide.
His efforts helped launch the careers of directors including Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Damien Chazelle.
Political and Environmental Advocacy
Redford was also known for his outspoken political and environmental activism. A supporter of civil rights, Native American rights, and climate change awareness, he co-founded the Redford Center and worked closely with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
He received numerous honors for his activism, including the Audubon Medal (1989) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Redford earned widespread recognition:
- Academy Awards: Best Director (1980), Honorary Oscar (2002)
- Golden Globes: Cecil B. DeMille Award (1994)
- SAG Life Achievement Award (1995)
- National Medal of the Arts (1996)
- Kennedy Center Honors (2005)
Personal Life
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on Aug. 18, 1936, in Van Nuys, California, Redford originally pursued baseball before turning to art and acting. His early television work in the 1960s led to stage and film success.
Redford was married twice: first to Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he had four children, and later to Sibylle Szaggars, his wife since 2009. He is survived by Szaggars and his children.
A Lasting Legacy
Asked in 2017 how he wanted to be remembered, Redford said: “For the work. What really matters is the work. And what matters to me is doing the work.”
His six-decade career, his founding of Sundance, and his activism ensure his influence will endure in both film and culture.
