Hollywood legend Robert Redford has died at age 89.
Rogers & Cowan PMK CEO Cindi Berger shared that Redford died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah on Tuesday morning. No cause of death was given.
Redford became one of the most iconic faces in American cinema thanks to starring roles in classics like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Natural.” Across five decades in the film industry, Redford took uncharacteristic risks for an actor with matinee-idol good looks. He regularly signed on for dark, challenging roles and inhabited broken, brooding characters.
In his later career, Redford successfully pivoted to directing, winning the Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for “Ordinary People.”
Outside of his own work, the actor and director was a transformative force in independent cinema. He founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978. The fest is still the premier showcase for American independent filmmaking.
“Decades ago, Robert Redford came to Utah and fell in love with this place. He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote on X. “Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world. Today we honor his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”
Hollywood stars paid tribute to Redford on Tuesday.
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for,” said Redford’s “Barefoot in the Park” co-star Jane Fonda.
“One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend,” Meryl Streep wrote.
Read more
about this topic
