Robert Redford, beloved actor, director, and environmental activist, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at his home near Provo, Utah. He was 89.
Redford’s influence stretched far beyond Hollywood. As the founder of the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, he revolutionized independent cinema, giving countless emerging filmmakers a global stage.
His acting career spanned decades, with unforgettable performances in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, The Natural, and Out of Africa. As a director, he earned an Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People and later helmed acclaimed works including Quiz Show and A River Runs Through It.
Outside of film, Redford dedicated himself to environmental and social causes. He co-founded The Redford Center, producing films that highlighted conservation and renewable energy, while also partnering with major organizations to advance climate action, clean energy, and wilderness protection. His activism became as influential as his artistry, inspiring generations to pursue a healthier planet and a more just society.
Throughout his life, Redford received numerous accolades, including the Academy Honorary Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors—recognitions that celebrated both his creative excellence and his commitment to truth and progress.
Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford endured personal hardships, including the loss of two of his children, yet remained resilient and compassionate. Admired for his humility and grounded spirit, he spent his later years supporting artists and championing environmental causes, ensuring his legacy would endure well beyond the silver screen.
