Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival,
passed away peacefully at his Utah mountain home on September 16, 2025. He was 89. His death,
confirmed by publicist Cindi Berger, closes the chapter on one of cinema’s most influential figures.
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936, he rose from television roles to stardom with Butch Cassidy
and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973), both opposite Paul Newman. He later starred in All
the President’s Men, Out of Africa, and The Way We Were, cementing his place as a cultural icon.
In 1980, Redford made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, which won four Oscars, including Best
Picture and Best Director. He went on to direct acclaimed works such as A River Runs Through It and Quiz Show.
Perhaps his greatest legacy is Sundance, founded in 1981 to nurture independent filmmakers. It grew into
the world’s premier indie film festival, launching the careers of Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Ava DuVernay.
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, daughters Shauna and Amy, and several grandchildren.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on cinema will endure for generations.