Hollywood icon Robert Redford, known for his roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, has passed away at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who stated that Redford died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah, surrounded by his loved ones. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
What Happened
Redford was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, both as an actor and a director. His death marks the end of a remarkable career spanning more than six decades. With his sandy blonde hair, dazzling smile, and iconic roles opposite stars like Paul Newman, Jane Fonda, and Barbra Streisand, Redford became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and respected figures. In his later years, he became known for his contributions to independent filmmaking, founding the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, which became a global platform for emerging filmmakers.
A Legendary Career
Redford’s career took off in the late 1960s when he starred in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), playing the Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman. The film became one of the most famous buddy movies in history, and Redford’s portrayal cemented his status as a screen legend. His career continued to soar with memorable roles in The Sting (1973), Downhill Racer (1969), All the President’s Men (1976), and The Candidate (1972).
Despite his acting fame, Redford’s true passion lay in filmmaking, and in 1980, he made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Redford himself received the Best Director Oscar. Over the years, he directed films like A River Runs Through It (1992), Quiz Show (1994), and The Legend of Bagger Vance (1998), guiding the careers of stars such as Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, and Will Smith.
A Quiet Retreat and Environmental Advocacy
In contrast to his high-profile career, Redford sought solace in his retreat in Utah, which he had developed into the Sundance resort. His love of nature and environmental activism became a core part of his public life, as he used his platform to advocate for clean energy and wildlife preservation. Redford was a long-time member of the Natural Resources Defense Council and contributed to a wildlife preserve in Utah.
He was a passionate environmentalist who spoke often about the urgency of addressing climate change. In a 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, Redford reflected on the moment that changed his perspective on global warming: “I knew they were speaking the truth. Because one thing we’ve learned is that time waits for no one.”
Personal Life
Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, and the couple had four children together: Scott, Shauna, David, and Amy. Tragically, their son Scott died of sudden death syndrome when he was just 10 weeks old. The couple divorced in 1985. In the 1990s, Redford met Sibylle Szaggars, and they married in 2009. He is survived by Szaggars, three children, and seven grandchildren.
A Final Farewell
In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting, stating that his role in The Old Man and the Gun (2018) would be his final performance. “I thought, well, that’s enough. And why not go out with something that’s very upbeat and positive?” he said at the time.
Redford leaves behind a rich legacy as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. His contributions to the film industry and his advocacy for environmental causes will continue to resonate for generations to come.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
