Robert Redford, the iconic actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Institute, has died at his home in Utah at the age of 89, per variety.com. His passing was confirmed by his publicist, Cindi Berger, who stated he was “surrounded by those he loved.”
A leading man with a career spanning over six decades, Redford was known for his golden-boy looks and captivating on-screen presence. He starred in a string of blockbuster hits in the 1970s, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, The Sting and All the President’s Men.
Beyond acting, Redford was a celebrated director, winning a Best Director Oscar for his 1980 film Ordinary People. He also became a key figure in independent cinema, establishing the Sundance Film Institute in 1981, which grew into the influential Sundance Film Festival, a crucial platform for emerging filmmakers.
His later career saw him take on diverse roles, from a weathered castaway in All Is Lost to a villain in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He made his last on-screen appearance in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
Redford’s legacy is defined by his artistic versatility, environmental activism, and his unwavering commitment to nurturing independent film. He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and two children.
•Featured image: Robert Redford/Disney General Entertainment Con
