Renowned actor and director Robert Redford, who won two Oscars and charmed audiences with his performances in films like “The Way We Were” and “Barefoot in the Park,” has passed away at the age of 89. Redford died peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah, according to Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowan PMK. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Redford’s illustrious Hollywood career spanned over six decades, during which he won five Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His memorable roles include performances in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” “All the President’s Men,” “The Natural,” and “Out of Africa.”
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Southern California, Redford had a passion for the arts from a young age. He initially struggled to find his path, working various jobs before turning to acting. He made his Broadway debut in 1959 in “Tall Story” and later starred in Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” in 1963, a role he reprised in the 1967 film adaptation.
Redford’s film career took off in the 1960s and 70s, with notable performances alongside actresses like Barbra Streisand, Faye Dunaway, Meryl Streep, Michelle Pfeiffer, Debra Winger, and Natalie Wood. He also directed several acclaimed films, including “Ordinary People” and “Quiz Show,” and founded the Sundance Institute to promote independent storytelling.
Despite announcing his retirement from acting in 2018, Redford returned to the screen in 2021 for the AMC show “Dark Winds,” a crime drama set in the 1970s. He also made a cameo in the Season 3 premiere alongside “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin, with both men serving as executive producers on the project.
Off-screen, Redford was a passionate environmental activist and a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council since 1975. He also co-founded the Redford Center with his son James, which aims to use impact-driven film and media to accelerate environmental and climate justice, solutions, and repair.
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and his two daughters. He also had seven grandchildren. His legacy in the film industry and his contributions to environmental activism will continue to be remembered and celebrated.