Remembering Robert Redford: The Sundance Kid’s Enduring Legacy
Park City, 10 January 2026 – Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and environmental activist, died peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, on 16 September 2025, at the age of 89. Known for his roles in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival, transforming independent cinema and championing diverse voices in Hollywood.
Early Life and Acting Career
Robert Redford was born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on 18 August 1936 in Santa Monica, California. He studied art at the Pratt Institute and the University of Colorado before turning to acting. His breakthrough came in the 1960s with films such as Barefoot in the Park (1967) alongside Jane Fonda, and the iconic Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) with Paul Newman, which cemented his status as a Hollywood heartthrob.
Redford’s career spanned decades, with notable roles in The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973), and Out of Africa (1985). He directed acclaimed films like Ordinary People (1980), which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His final on-screen appearance was a cameo in Avengers: Endgame (2019), though he retired from acting in 2018 after The Old Man & the Gun.
Founding Sundance and Activism
In the 1970s, Redford purchased land in Utah and established the Sundance Institute in 1981 to support independent filmmakers. He took over the Utah/US Film Festival in 1985, renaming it the Sundance Film Festival in 1991. The festival became a global platform for emerging talents, launching careers of directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Ava DuVernay. Films such as Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) and CODA (2021) premiered there, with CODA winning the Best Picture Oscar.
Beyond film, Redford advocated for environmental causes, Native American rights, and LGBTQ equality. He narrated documentaries on climate change and supported organisations like the Political Action Committee of the Directors Guild of America. His activism influenced legislation and raised awareness about conservation.
Key Facts and Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Death | Born 18 August 1936 in Santa Monica, California; Died 16 September 2025 in Sundance, Utah, aged 89. |
| Notable Films | Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), All the President’s Men (1976), Out of Africa (1985), Ordinary People (1980, director). |
| Awards | Academy Honorary Award (2002), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (1996). |
| Sundance Legacy | Founded Sundance Institute (1981) and Film Festival (1991); supported over 1,000 filmmakers; festival attracts 85,000 attendees annually. |
| Personal Life | Married twice: Lola Van Wagenen (1958-1985, four children, including two who predeceased him) and Sibylle Szaggars (2009 until death). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Robert Redford’s cause of death?
Redford died peacefully in his sleep at home in Sundance, Utah. No specific cause was publicly disclosed, though he had battled health issues like skin cancer in his later years.
How did Redford impact independent cinema?
As founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford created a space for diverse voices outside Hollywood’s mainstream, helping launch indie hits and fostering innovation in storytelling.
What were Redford’s most famous roles?
His iconic roles included the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Bob Woodward in All the President’s Men, and characters in films like The Sting and Out of Africa.