Robert Redford, the celebrated Hollywood screen icon and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89 at his home in Utah, US. His death marks the end of an era for American cinema and independent filmmaking.
Passed Away in Peace at Sundance(Robert Redford)
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Redford died in his sleep at his residence near Provo, Utah, surrounded by loved ones, according to Cindi Berger, CEO of publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK. The exact cause of his passing was not disclosed. His representative confirmed to ABC News,
“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.”
Legendary Acting and Directing Career
Robert Redford began his film career with an uncredited role in Tall Story (1960) and gained recognition with War Hunt (1962). Over a career spanning six decades, Redford became known for iconic performances in classics such as:
- Barefoot in the Park
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- The Sting
- All the President’s Men
- Ordinary People
- Indecent Proposal
He also worked internationally, collaborating with Indian director Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox) for the 2017 romance drama Our Souls At Night, starring alongside Jane Fonda, his co-star from Barefoot in the Park.
Oscar Recognition
Though only nominated once for Best Actor (for The Sting in 1973), Redford earned his first Oscar as a director in 1980 for Ordinary People. His directorial ventures included acclaimed films such as A River Runs Through It and Quiz Show.
During his honorary Oscar acceptance in 2002, Redford reflected on his life:
“I spent most of my life just focused on the road ahead, not looking back. But now tonight, I’m seeing in the rearview mirror that there is something I’ve not thought about much, called history.”
Champion of Independent Cinema and Climate Activism
A passionate climate activist, Redford co-founded The Redford Center in 2005 with his late son James to support environmental causes. His biggest cultural legacy remains the Sundance Film Festival, which champions independent cinema.
The Origin of the Sundance Film Festival
Redford invested the earnings from hits like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Downhill Racer to buy a ski area near Mount Timpanogos, Utah, originally called “Timp Haven.” He renamed it “Sundance” after his famous Sundance Kid character. In 1978, he launched the Sundance Film Festival, which has grown to become America’s largest festival for independent films.
Retirement and Legacy
In 2018, Redford announced his intention to retire after making The Old Man & the Gun, a crime drama featuring Casey Affleck, Sissy Spacek, Danny Glover, Tika Sumpter, and Tom Waits. At the time, he said:
“Never say never, but I pretty well concluded that this would be it for me in terms of acting, and [I’ll] move towards retirement after this ’cause I’ve been doing it since I was 21.”
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However, a month later, he expressed regret for making the retirement announcement, saying:
“I think it was a mistake to say that I was retiring because you never know. It did feel like it was time, maybe, to concentrate on another category.”
A Lasting Impact
Robert Redford’s contribution to cinema—both in front of and behind the camera—will be remembered for generations. His commitment to independent film and climate activism made him not just a Hollywood legend but a cultural icon who reshaped the industry.
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