Robert Redford, actor, director, environmentalist, and founder of the Sundance Institute, has died at his home near Provo, Utah, at the age of 89.
His publicist, Cindi Berger of Rogers & Cowan PMK, confirmed that Redford died in his sleep. No cause of death has yet been made public.
Redford was born August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became known as both a leading man in iconic films and a director. His notable acting credits include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), All the President’s Men (1976), Out of Africa (1985), and The Natural (1984).
As a filmmaker, Redford achieved great acclaim for directing Ordinary People (1980), which won him the Academy Award for Best Director and earned the film Best Picture. He also directed Quiz Show (1994), among other films.
Beyond his work on screen, Redford was a major force in supporting independent film through the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, which he founded to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and stories outside the Hollywood mainstream. His contributions to environmental causes and advocacy for artists’ voices cemented his legacy as more than just a star.
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, his daughters, Shauna and Amy, and his extended family including grandchildren.
Sundance Institute issued a statement:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.
SAG-AFTRA issued a statement:
SAG-AFTRA mourns the loss of SAG Life Achievement honoree Robert Redford, who passed away today at the age 89.
Redford, the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, a tireless activist and an accomplished actor and director, received the Life Achievement Award in 1995.
“It is impossible to overstate the impact that Robert Redford had on this world. As a filmmaker, a philanthropist, a performer and more, Robert Redford is the essence of cinema. From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to All the President’s Men and for decades beyond, he set a standard of excellence that all actors aspire to. His Sundance Film Festival launched the careers of countless filmmakers and elevated the work of so many performers. He was a man of civics and art. On behalf of the members of SAG-AFTRA, we thank him for the example he set and we will miss him very much,” said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin. Astin went on to recount his favorite line of dialogue from Redford, from the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. “He says before leaping from a cliffside, ‘I can’t swim.’ Well, today he swims with the angels.”
Redford joined SAG-AFTRA in 1959 and broke through to become a major star after the success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, in which he starred opposite Paul Newman, another SAG Life Achievement honoree. Over the next several years, he would star in numerous hit films, including The Way We Were, The Sting and All the President’s Men. Redford distinguished himself as a director after taking home the Oscar for Ordinary People, his directorial debut. His love of independent film led him to found the Sundance Film Festival, as well as the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Channel.
As an activist, Redford championed environmentalist causes and was a member of SAG-AFTRA’s Green Council. He was also a powerful advocate for Native American and LGBTQ rights.
In accepting the 32nd Life Achievement Award, Redford expressed his appreciation to his fellow union members.
“The biggest reason I am honored is that I think probably the most meaningful award, at least to me, is an award where you’re voted on or celebrated by your peers,” he said.
Sundance Institute, Sundance Film Festival issued another statement, signed by Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute, Acting CEO; Michelle Satter, Sundance Institute Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs; and Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming
Dear Friends,
Today is a sad day for the Sundance Institute community. Our founder, mentor, and friend, Robert Redford has passed away.
Bob’s vision launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. The vibrant storytelling landscape we cherish today, both as artists and audiences, is unimaginable without his passionate drive and principled leadership. Beyond Bob’s enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process.
We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity. As we look to the future, we are particularly grateful for the inspiring group of people who make up the Sundance Institute community. Thank you for your participation in our work that carries on Bob’s mission and vision.
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