Robert Redford dead at 89: Hollywood icon’s life, films & legacy

Hollywood legend Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89.

According to his publicist, Cindi Berger, the Oscar-winning actor and director died peacefully at his Sundance home in the Utah mountains, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Redford rose to fame as one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, remembered for iconic performances in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men.

In 1980, he stepped behind the camera with his directorial debut Ordinary People, which earned him four Academy Awards, including Best Director.

Beyond his film career, Redford left an enduring mark on cinema by founding the Sundance Institute, which grew into the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival, giving a platform to independent filmmakers. He was also deeply committed to environmental causes throughout his life.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Director Ron Howard called him “a profoundly influential cultural force,” while his Out of Africa co-star Meryl Streep reflected, “one of the great lions has left us.”

FAQ: Robert Redford’s Death & Legacy

1. When did Robert Redford die, and how old was he?
He died on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. AP News+2People.com+2

2. Where did he die?
He passed away at his home in Sundance, Utah — in the mountains, a place he was very fond of. AP News+2Wikipedia+2

3. What was the cause of death?
He died in his sleep. As of now, no further cause of death has been officially disclosed. AP News+1

4. Who confirmed the news?
His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed his death and released the statement that he was at home “surrounded by those he loved.” AP News+2People.com+2

5. Was there a final screen appearance shortly before his passing?
Yes. His final on-screen role was a cameo appearance in the TV series Dark Winds (Season 3) earlier in 2025. People.com

6. What are some of his most famous films and roles?
Some of Redford’s best-known works include:

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid AP News+2The Independent+2

• The Sting AP News+2The Independent+2

• All the President’s Men AP News+2The Independent+2

• The Way We Were AP News

  
  
  

• His directorial work, especially Ordinary People (1980), which won several Academy Awards. AP News+2Wikipedia+2

7. What awards and major recognitions did he receive?

• He won the Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People, among other Oscars that film earned. AP News+1

• Over his life, he was lauded not just for acting but for his directorial efforts, his support for independent cinema, and his activism. Wikipedia+1

8. What is the Sundance Institute / Festival, and what was his role in it?
He founded the Sundance Institute, which leads the Sundance Film Festival — a major platform for independent film and filmmakers. Through this, Redford helped nurture and promote non-mainstream, new voices in cinema. AP News+1

9. How have people reacted / what tributes are being made?
Tributes have come in from many corners: actors, fellow filmmakers, and public figures. Some headlines:

• Meryl Streep said: “One of the lions has passed.” The Guardian+1

• Jane Fonda expressed deep grief, saying she “can’t stop crying”. People.com

• Others have called him a “true Hollywood legend,” “cultural icon,” and praised both his artistry and his commitment to causes beyond film. Hollywood Reporter+2The Guardian+2

10. What do we know about his family?

• He was survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, and daughters Shauna and Amy. The Independent+2Wikipedia+2

• He had other children, two of whom preceded him in death. The Independent+1

11. What is Redford’s legacy outside acting — activism, environmental work, etc.?

• He was long known for his environmental activism, supporting conservation efforts. Wikipedia+1

• Also known for advocacy around independent film, creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers via Sundance. Wikipedia

12. What’s the public / media speculation or unanswered questions?

• Cause of death beyond “died in sleep” is not confirmed. Yahoo+1

• Details about funeral or memorial services have not yet (as of latest reports) been made fully public.

• Some are reflecting on his last years: how active he stayed, his last projects, etc.