Charles Robert Redford Jr., the beloved actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away today at his home in Sundance, Utah. He was 89. According to his family, he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones.
A Star Who Redefined American Cinema
Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford rose to stardom in the late 1960s and 1970s with unforgettable performances in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. Known for his sharp intelligence and easy charisma, he embodied a new kind of American leading man—handsome, but also thoughtful, layered, and often skeptical of power.
As a director, Redford proved just as influential. His 1980 directorial debut, Ordinary People, won him an Academy Award and set the tone for a career that valued storytelling depth over spectacle.
The Sundance Legacy
Perhaps Redford’s most enduring contribution was building a home for independent voices in film. By establishing the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, he transformed the landscape for rising filmmakers. What began as a small gathering in Utah grew into one of the most important showcases for fresh talent, changing how audiences discover stories outside of Hollywood’s mainstream.
Beyond film, Redford devoted himself to environmental and social causes. He was a vocal advocate for climate action, conservation, and indigenous rights, using his influence to shine light on issues too often ignored.
Remembered With Love
Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood. Longtime collaborators recalled his wit, warmth, and artistic courage. Fellow actors described him as a steady presence both on and off the screen—someone who treated his colleagues as partners rather than props.
Redford also shared deep connections with audiences, not only as a performer but as a cultural figure who believed movies could make a difference.
A Life of Triumph and Loss
Redford’s journey was marked by both great triumphs and personal heartbreak. He endured the devastating loss of two of his children but found strength in family, art, and advocacy. In his later years, he stepped away from the spotlight to live quietly in Utah with his wife, artist Sibylle Szaggars, while continuing to mentor filmmakers and support conservation projects.
An Enduring Impact
Robert Redford leaves behind an extraordinary body of work—both in front of the camera and behind it—and a festival that continues to shape the future of film. His influence will live on in every independent filmmaker who finds their voice, every audience moved by an unexpected story, and every artist inspired to take a risk.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, along with the countless storytellers who walk the path he helped to clear.
