“Hollywood mourns the death of Robert Redford, the 89-year-old actor, director, and environmental activist who passed away peacefully at his Utah home after a period of declining health, leaving behind a monumental legacy of art, passion, and purpose that forever changed American cinema and independent filmmaking.”

Hollywood and the world of cinema are in mourning today following the death of Charles Robert Redford Jr.

, the iconic actor, director, and activist who passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89.

The legendary performer, whose career defined an era of American filmmaking, reportedly died surrounded by family after a period of declining health.

A representative close to the family confirmed that Redford had been battling age-related complications for some time, though he had maintained his characteristic privacy until the very end.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Hollywood history—one that blended artistry, activism, and authenticity in a way few ever have.

Born in Santa Monica, California, on August 18, 1936, Robert Redford grew up with dreams far removed from the red carpets he would one day walk.

After a troubled adolescence and a brief stint studying art in Paris, he discovered acting almost by accident—but the screen quickly became his natural home.

By the 1960s, Redford’s combination of rugged charm, intelligence, and quiet intensity made him one of the most compelling leading men of his generation.

His breakthrough came with Barefoot in the Park (1967), opposite Jane Fonda, but it was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), alongside Paul Newman, that turned him into an international superstar.

The chemistry between the two men became legendary, setting the tone for one of the greatest buddy films of all time.

Redford followed it with another Newman collaboration in The Sting (1973), which earned the Academy Award for Best Picture and solidified his place as a Hollywood heavyweight.

As his fame soared, Redford began to move behind the camera, directing and producing films that reflected his deeper interest in the human condition and social issues.

His directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980), was both a critical and commercial triumph, winning four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director for Redford himself.

He would go on to direct acclaimed works such as A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994), films that carried his signature touch—emotional depth, moral nuance, and a painter’s eye for visual storytelling.

Yet despite his success, Redford never seemed entirely comfortable with Hollywood’s glare.

He famously retreated from Los Angeles in the 1980s, settling on his vast ranch in Utah, where he found peace in nature and creative freedom away from the industry machine.

That escape gave birth to one of Redford’s greatest contributions to the arts: the Sundance Institute and Film Festival.

Founded in 1981, Sundance became a haven for independent filmmakers and a global platform for creative innovation.

Through Sundance, Redford nurtured voices that challenged the mainstream, launching the careers of directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Damien Chazelle.

In interviews over the years, Redford often said, “Sundance wasn’t just about movies—it was about truth.

” That dedication to artistic integrity made him not only a film legend but a mentor and advocate for generations of storytellers.

Redford’s life was not without heartbreak.

He was married twice—first to historian Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he shared four children: Scott, Shauna, David, and Amy Redford.

The couple divorced in 1985 after 27 years of marriage, though they remained on friendly terms.

His first son, Scott, tragically died of sudden infant death syndrome in 1959, a loss that Redford rarely spoke about publicly but one that deeply affected him.

In 2009, he married long-time partner Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist with whom he shared his later years in quiet companionship.

The two collaborated on several artistic projects, including environmental installations that reflected their shared passion for nature and sustainability.

Outside of acting and directing, Redford was a tireless environmental activist.

Long before climate change became a global concern, he used his platform to raise awareness about conservation, clean energy, and Native American rights.

His efforts earned him numerous humanitarian honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

“He used his fame to serve something greater than himself,” one longtime friend said.

“Robert believed in legacy—not the Hollywood kind, but the human kind.”

Redford’s estate, estimated at around $200 million in 2025, includes his famous Sundance Ranch—over 5,000 acres of pristine wilderness that became both a home and a symbol of his vision for art and nature in harmony.

Those close to him say his final years were marked by quiet reflection, painting, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Despite health challenges, he remained active in supporting young filmmakers and environmental causes, occasionally appearing at Sundance to encourage new talent.

“He always said life should be lived with purpose and restraint,” a former Sundance collaborator shared.

“He never stopped living that way.”

As news of his death spreads, tributes are flooding in from across the world.

Actors, directors, and fans alike have taken to social media to celebrate his career and mourn the passing of a true legend.

Jane Fonda wrote, “He was not only a great artist but a great man.

There was no one like him.

” Paul Newman’s daughter, Melissa, shared an old photo of the two screen icons with the caption: “Together again.”

Robert Redford’s passing is more than the loss of a movie star—it is the end of an era.

His artistry, humility, and unwavering belief in truth and beauty have left a mark that will never fade.

In the quiet mountains of Utah, where his journey ended, the spirit of Sundance will continue to shine—forever echoing the man who believed film could change the world.