Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and environmental activist, has died at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah on September 16, according to a statement from his publicist. No specific cause of death was given. Redford had been living in the mountains outside Provo at the time of his death.
His publicist, Cindy Guagenti of Rogers & Cowan PMK, confirmed the news, saying Redford died 'in the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved.' She added, 'He will be missed greatly.' The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Redford rose to superstardom in the 1960s and 1970s with iconic roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. He announced his retirement from acting in 2018 with The Old Man & the Gun, though he later made a brief return to television in Dark Winds.
Beyond his acting career, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, which led to the influential Sundance Film Festival. A spokesperson for HELLO! magazine noted that his work championing independent filmmakers is his true legacy. 'Through his nonprofit, Robert gave a voice to fresh cinematic talent, lifting new filmmakers, and created a major force in the indie film industry,' she said.
Tributes have poured in from fellow stars. Jane Fonda, who co-starred with Redford in several films, said she 'could not stop crying' upon hearing the news. Barbra Streisand shared a black-and-white photo on social media, recalling their time filming The Way We Were and calling Redford 'one of the finest actors ever.' Meryl Streep, who starred with him in Out of Africa, said, 'One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.'
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and his two daughters, Shauna Jean and Amy Hart.
