Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and activist, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah.

He was 89 years old.

His representative shared with Fox News Digital that Redford died surrounded by those he loved in the mountains he cherished most.

The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, honoring the man who left an indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond.

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford’s early life was far removed from the glitz and glamour that would later define his career.

Initially pursuing art and harboring dreams of becoming a painter, Redford eventually found his true calling in acting.

He honed his craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began his career with appearances on iconic television shows such as “The Twilight Zone,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and “The Untouchables” in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Redford’s breakthrough came on Broadway with Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” a role he reprised in the film adaptation alongside Jane Fonda.

This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would span over five decades in film.

He quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and beloved leading men, known for his rugged charm and compelling performances.

Throughout the 1970s, Redford dominated the box office with a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

His roles in classics like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Sting” cemented his status as a cinematic icon.

He also starred in politically charged and socially conscious films such as “The Candidate,” where he portrayed an idealistic Senate hopeful, and “All the President’s Men,” in which he played Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward during the Watergate scandal.

Beyond acting, Redford was a visionary director and a passionate advocate for independent film.

His directorial work earned him an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for “Ordinary People,” a film that also won Best Picture.

He continued to direct notable films including “The Horse Whisperer,” “The Milagro Beanfield War,” and “Quiz Show,” the latter earning him additional Oscar nominations.

Perhaps one of Redford’s most enduring legacies is the creation of the Sundance Film Festival.

What began as a modest platform for undiscovered filmmakers in the mountains of Park City, Utah, quickly grew into the world’s premier independent film festival.

Redford’s vision was rooted in the belief that independent artists deserved a chance to have their voices heard outside the mainstream studio system.

In his own words, he emphasized the importance of “independence,” a principle that guided his efforts to nurture innovative storytelling and support emerging talent.

Throughout his career, Redford shared the screen with some of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, and Paul Newman.

His performances in films like “Out of Africa” alongside Streep and the critically acclaimed survival drama “All Is Lost” in 2013 showcased his enduring talent and versatility.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Redford was known for his activism and commitment to environmental and social causes.

He used his platform to advocate for change, embodying the spirit of the characters he portrayed on screen.

On a personal note, Redford was married twice, most recently to Sibylle Szaggars, whom he wed in 2009.

He was a father to four children, though he endured the profound loss of two sons—Scott Anthony, who died in infancy, and James Redford, a filmmaker and activist who passed away in 2020.

In 2002, the Academy honored Robert Redford with an honorary Oscar, recognizing his multifaceted contributions to cinema as an actor, director, producer, and the creator of Sundance.

His influence on independent filmmaking and his inspiration to countless artists remain unparalleled.

Robert Redford’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood.

He was a trailblazer whose work transcended entertainment, shaping the cultural landscape and championing the power of storytelling.

As the world mourns this remarkable figure, his legacy lives on through the films he made, the festival he founded, and the countless lives he touched.

In remembering Robert Redford, we celebrate not only a cinematic legend but a man who lived with passion, integrity, and a relentless dedication to his craft and causes.

His story is one of artistic brilliance and humanitarian spirit, a combination that will continue to inspire generations to come.