Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons — beloved as a leading man, an Oscar-winning director, and a tireless champion of independent film and environmental causes — died Tuesday morning at his home in the mountains outside Provo, Utah. He was 89.
His death was confirmed in a statement by Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who said Redford “died in the place he loved surrounded by those he loved.” A cause of death was not provided.
A Hollywood leading man with depth
Handsome, golden-haired, and effortlessly charismatic, Redford first rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s as a box-office star in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), and All the President’s Men (1976). His on-screen presence — often blending charm with vulnerability — helped define a generation of American cinema.
But Redford never allowed himself to be typecast as just a matinee idol. With a distaste for Hollywood’s formula-driven approach, he sought out films that carried cultural and political weight, tackling themes like grief, corruption, and disillusionment. His work often reflected deeper currents of tragedy and resilience, mirroring aspects of his own life.
From star to director and mentor
Redford transitioned behind the camera with remarkable success. His directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980), won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Redford. The film cemented his reputation as a filmmaker capable of balancing intimacy and gravitas.
Beyond Hollywood, Redford left a profound legacy through the Sundance Institute, which he founded in 1981. The Sundance Film Festival became the premier platform for independent cinema, launching the careers of countless filmmakers and reshaping the film industry.
An activist at heart
A passionate environmentalist, Redford dedicated much of his life to conservation efforts and public advocacy. He used his fame to amplify causes he cared deeply about, from clean energy to protecting America’s wilderness.
A lasting legacy
In an era when many stars played it safe, Robert Redford took risks — both artistically and personally — that left an indelible mark on American culture. He was more than a movie star; he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a voice for change.
