Skip To...
Robert Redford, the actor, director, and cultural force who helped redefine American cinema, has died. He was 89. The legendary star passed away Tuesday morning at his home in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by loved ones, according to his publicist Cindi Berger. “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy,” Berger said in a statement.
Redford leaves behind an indelible mark on Hollywood, from his breakout as the rugged outlaw in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to his role in All the President’s Men, and his Oscar-winning turn behind the camera for Ordinary People. Beyond his on-screen work, he forever changed the film landscape by founding the Sundance Film Festival, a launchpad for independent voices that continues to shape the industry today.
Hollywood Mourns Robert Redford
Tributes began pouring in from across the entertainment world within hours of the news. Meryl Streep, his co-star in Out of Africa, honored her longtime friend with a moving statement, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.” Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo shared his admiration online, writing, “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
Jamie Lee Curtis praised the many sides of his legacy, summing it up with, “A LIFE! FAMILY • ART • TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY • CREATION • LEGACY. Thank you Robert Redford.” Lucy Lawless also paid tribute, calling Redford “a beautiful, sweet man and outrageously talented,” before extending condolences to those closest to him.
Robert Redford’s Final Words of Wisdom
In what would become his last interview, Redford left behind touching advice for the next generation. Speaking to Orion Magazine, he urged young people not to rush through life but to truly connect with their experiences.
“Well, I would say, start by getting involved. Don’t take it lightly and move on to the next thing and the next thing and the next thing. Stop long enough to have something sink in with you, so you feel connected to it. That will give you the energy to stick with it long enough to make change,” Redford shared.
To aspiring filmmakers, he offered a powerful reminder not to be discouraged by rejection. “You have to believe in your own projects and ideas more than anyone else, and I think you have to find something in the idea that is going to be attractive to people and grab their attention,” he said.
Robert Redford’s death marks the end of an era in Hollywood. With his passing, the world has lost not only one of the greatest actors of all time but also a true visionary who reshaped independent film.
