The world mourns the passing of Robert Redford, a cinematic titan whose influence reverberated through Hollywood and beyond for decades. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home near Provo, Utah, on the morning of September 16, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as an acclaimed actor, Oscar-winning director, devoted environmentalist, and beloved family man.
News of Redford's death was confirmed by his publicist, Cindi Berger, who shared a heartfelt statement: "Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy during this difficult time." The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed, adding an air of solemnity to the news.
Redford's personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Sibylle Szaggars, a talented German artist, his two daughters, and seven cherished grandchildren. The shadow of loss, however, lingered with the memory of his firstborn son, Scott Anthony, who tragically succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome at just two and a half months old in 1959. Another son, James Redford, known as Jamie, also predeceased him, passing away at 58 after a prolonged battle with liver cancer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Redford captivated audiences with his undeniable charisma and versatility. He rose to prominence as a leading man in iconic films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "All the President's Men," and "Three Days of the Condor," solidifying his status as a Hollywood heartthrob and a box-office draw. His portrayal in "The Sting" earned him his first and only Academy Award nomination for acting in 1973, a testament to his captivating presence on screen.
Redford's talent extended beyond his striking looks, allowing him to forge memorable on-screen partnerships with some of the most celebrated actresses of his time. He shared the screen with Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand, and Demi Moore, among others, each pairing sparking a unique chemistry that resonated with viewers. It's no surprise that his charm and romantic roles made him the object of affection for many, including fellow A-listers like Fonda and Meryl Streep.
Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Redford in several films, openly admitted to having a crush on him during their collaborations. "He is so handsome and just such a wonderful human being. Every movie I made with him, I developed a crush on him," she confessed, highlighting the magnetic appeal that drew people to him both on and off screen. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, but despite the sparks, Fonda and Redford never pursued a romantic relationship in real life.
Reflecting on their connection, Fonda fondly recalled, "He’s a great kisser, so it was fun to kiss him in my 20s and to kiss him again in my almost 80s." Their enduring friendship and mutual respect were evident in their continued collaborations, culminating in the Netflix movie "Our Souls at Night" in 2017. News of Redford's passing deeply affected Fonda, who released an emotional statement, saying, "It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for."
While he gained fame as an actor, Redford's creative ambitions extended to directing. He made his directorial debut with "Ordinary People" in 1980, a poignant drama that garnered him the Academy Award for Best Director. The film's success cemented his reputation as a talented filmmaker, and he went on to direct other acclaimed movies, including "A River Runs Through It," further showcasing his storytelling abilities and artistic vision.
Robert Redford's impact on the film industry transcends his individual accomplishments. In 1978, he established the Sundance Film Festival, which has become the largest independent film festival in the United States. Originally held at Redford's Sundance resort in Park City, Utah, the festival provides a platform for emerging filmmakers and celebrates independent cinema. As of 2023, the festival attracts over 400,000 attendees, solidifying its importance in the film community. Starting in 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will find a new home in Boulder, Colorado, marking a new chapter in its history.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, to a mother and an accountant father, Charles Robert Redford Jr. showed early promise as an athlete, earning a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder. However, his academic pursuits were short-lived, as he was expelled after a year and a half due to excessive drinking. Undeterred, Redford pursued his passion for art and drama, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that would shape his future career.
After leaving school, Redford traveled through Europe, immersing himself in the art scenes of France, Spain, and Italy. He eventually settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he studied painting at the Pratt Institute and honed his acting skills at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his multifaceted career as an actor, director, and producer.
In 1958, Redford married Lola Van Wagenen, and together they had four children between 1959 and 1970. Although their marriage ended in divorce sometime before 1982, they shared the joys and sorrows of parenthood, including the tragic loss of their first child. Redford's early acting career began on Broadway in 1959, where his captivating stage presence quickly garnered attention.
During the 1960s, Redford secured smaller roles in popular television shows such as "The Americans," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," and "The Twilight Zone," gradually building his profile in the entertainment industry. In 1960, he landed his first movie role in the film adaptation of the romantic comedy "Tall Story," a play in which he had previously starred on Broadway. This marked his first silver screen appearance alongside Jane Fonda, setting the stage for future collaborations.
Redford's talent and hard work were recognized with an Emmy nomination for the TV movie "The Voice of Charlie Pont" in 1963. In 1965, he won a Golden Globe for Best New Star for his portrayal of a budding actor in the drama film "Inside Daisy Clover." These early accolades foreshadowed the success that awaited him in the years to come.
The year 1969 marked a turning point in Redford's career when he starred alongside Paul Newman in the Western buddy film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." His performance as the "Sundance Kid," a notorious outlaw on the run, catapulted him to overnight movie star status. The film's immense popularity solidified Redford's position as a leading man and established him as a household name.
The 1970s brought a string of incredibly successful movie roles for Redford, including collaborations with Barbra Streisand, Paul Newman, and Mia Farrow. His performance in the 1973 crime caper film "The Sting" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, further cementing his reputation as a talented and versatile performer. In 1974, Redford became the second actor ever to star in three of the year's top-ten grossing films, a remarkable achievement that highlighted his box-office appeal.
Beyond his contributions to the film industry, Robert Redford was a passionate environmental activist who dedicated himself to protecting the land in Utah after moving there in 1961. He actively fought against projects that threatened the natural landscape, including a proposed six-lane highway in a Utah canyon in 1970 and a coal-fired power plant in southern Utah five years later.
His commitment to environmental issues extended to writing, as evidenced by his 2020 opinion piece for CNN, where he expressed his concerns about climate change in the face of devastating wildfires in western states. Redford's activism reflected his deep respect for the environment and his desire to preserve it for future generations.
Robert Redford's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, filmmakers, and fans around the world. Meryl Streep, a frequent collaborator, described him as "one of the lions" and expressed her grief, saying, "Rest in peace my lovely friend." President Donald Trump acknowledged Redford's talent and popularity, stating, "Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better. There was a period of time when he was the hottest. I thought he was great."
Film at Lincoln Center hailed Redford as "a true icon of the silver screen, a tireless champion of up-and-coming film artists." Actress Marlee Matlin acknowledged the impact of the Sundance Film Festival on her film "CODA," emphasizing that "Sundance happened because of Robert Redford." Rosie O'Donnell shared a photo of Redford and Streisand in "The Way We Were," captioning it, "Oh hubbell – we will never be the same – goodnight bob – what a legacy."
Piers Morgan remembered him as "a true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favourite films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, All The President's Men." These heartfelt tributes reflect the profound impact Robert Redford had on the entertainment industry and the lives of those who knew and admired him.
Robert Redford's legacy as an actor, director, environmentalist, and advocate for independent film will endure for generations to come. His contributions to the world of cinema and his dedication to environmental causes have left an indelible mark on society. He will be remembered not only for his talent and charisma but also for his commitment to making a positive difference in the world.