Robert Redford

 

US acting legend Robert Redford, known for his iconic roles in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, has died at the age of 89. According to his publicist, Cindi Berger, Redford passed peacefully at his Utah home on September 16, surrounded by loved ones. Tributes have poured in from Hollywood’s elite, celebrating his illustrious career.

 

Redford, who founded the Sundance Film Festival, was a recipient of a Best Director Oscar for the movie Ordinary People in 1980. His retirement from performing was officially announced in 2018, after expressing in 2016 that he was “tired of acting.” Meryl Streep, who worked with Redford in Out of Africa, called him "one of the lions" and expressed her profound loss.

 

Jane Fonda, a close friend and co-star in Barefoot in the Park, remembered him as "a beautiful person in every way." The tributes extended beyond Hollywood, with director Ron Howard and actor Colman Domingo acknowledging his significant cultural impact. Leonardo DiCaprio also described him as "an absolute legend," noting his environmental activism.

 

US President Donald Trump reflected on Redford's popularity, stating that there was a time when no actor could surpass him. Hillary Clinton praised his progressive values, acknowledging his contributions to both film and society. Redford’s breakthrough came with the 1969 Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, co-starring Paul Newman, which turned him into a household name.

 

Redford famously expressed his discomfort about being defined by his looks, despite achieving heartthrob status. The Sundance Film Festival, founded by Redford, played a crucial role in elevating independent cinema during the late 80s and early 90s. Films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Manchester by the Sea gained prominence through Sundance.

 

Robert Redford’s career also included stand-out roles and directorial works such as The Candidate, All the President's Men, and A River Runs Through It. A passionate environmentalist, Redford's legacy as a creative visionary and advocate for new talent endures. He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and daughters Shauna and Amy, following the loss of two sons, Scott and James.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Robert Redford, the star of iconic films, passed away at 89.
• Tributes highlight his cinematic achievements and activism.
• Sundance Film Festival remains a testament to his influence.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-17

 

 

RIP Robert Redford, one of the biggest stars of a bygone era in film and one of the biggest promoters of the Independent Film movement as the founder of the Sundance Film Festival.

 

What is your favorite film  of his?
 

 

I immediately thought of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid so that one. I still have vivid memories of watching that on the big screen.

I hadn't realized until today that he founded Sundance.

Definitely a legend!

56 minutes ago, expat_4_life said:

RIP Robert Redford, one of the biggest stars of a bygone era in film and one of the biggest promoters of the Independent Film movement as the founder of the Sundance Film Festival.

 

What is your favorite film  of his?
 

 

Indecent proposal..

4 minutes ago, lanng khao said:

Indecent proposal..

That a good one that I had forgotten. For some reason The Sting always springs to mind for me. Maybe I subconsciously take some small pleasure seeing the rich guy get scammed! 

My favorite Redford film is Electric Horseman again co-starring Jane Fonda.

 

In 1981 I was skiing at the rustic Alta ski resort. There is a pit stop halfway down the slope, and I stopped for a piss. I looked at the guy standing to the right next to me taking a piss: Robert Redford.

R.I.P.

3 hours ago, expat_4_life said:

What is your favorite film  of his?

 

My two favorite Redford films are among his lesser known:  Jeremiah Johnson (Western) and Three Days of the Condor (Spy). Both are top examples of their genres.

 

 

 

An early TV appearance by Redford on The Twilight Zone is also very memorable.

 

 

My favorite scene from 3 Days of the Condor -- Redford is Condor, but he is not in this scene:

 

Legend

 

RIP and thank you for some fabulous and memorable movies.

3 days of Condors great.

Makes me think how many iconic actors are left.  I guess Leonardo and Daniel day Lewis are toward the top now.

And, is there still such thing as a new great Rock band?

1 hour ago, Evil Penevil said:

My two favorite Redford films are among his lesser known

 

For me, the first films I remember seeing him in...

 

Downhill Racer - I was a hard-core skier

 

Barefoot in the Park - rom com from Neil Simon play

 

 

When you look at his filmography, the list of directors, some of whom directed him 2 - 3 times is impressive.

 

 

Top 3?

 

The Candidate

 

The Sting

 

All the President's Men

 

 

His last on-screen performance was a cameo on Dark Winds with George R.R. Martin, both Producers on that show.

 

 

 

 

A really prolific guy great body of work a decent human being kudos Mr Redford superb run a life well lived and gave back more than you took RIP sir my condolences to your loved ones.

Have many I rewatch time and time again on the hard drive from "Butch Cassidy ..."  through "A Walk in the Wood"s. Enjoy them all ... he will be missed ...

He made a lot of very good movies. Some of my favorites:
 

* Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

* All the president’s men

* Three days of the condor

* The natural

 

Not only a fine actor, but a good human being. RIP.

    One of my favorite actors.   I've never seen so many glowing tributes on Facebook, from so many different people he touched during his lifetime.  More were coming in today and I've been enjoying reading the interesting stories.  Great actor and a great person, as well.