Hollywood has lost one of its greatest stars.
Robert Redford dies: What’s the cause of death?
Robert Redford, the award-winning actor, director, and producer, has died at the age of 89.
His publicist Cindi Berger confirmed that he passed away on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 at his home in Sundance, Utah.
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16 at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy,” she said in a statement.
According to official reports, Redford died peacefully in his sleep. His death has drawn tributes from across the film world, with actors like Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand and Mark Ruffalo remembering him as a “giant of cinema” and “a beautiful person in every way”
Robert Redford biography
Robert Redford was born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on 18 August 1936 in Santa Monica, California.
He grew up in a modest family and developed a passion for the arts at an early age. After attending high school in Van Nuys, California, he studied briefly at the University of Colorado Boulder before moving to New York to study painting and acting.
Redford’s personal life was also in the public eye.
He married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, and they had four children together.
One of their children, Scott, sadly died in infancy. Redford later married German artist Sibylle Szaggars in 2009, and they remained together until his passing
Robert Redford career and achievements
Redford’s career stretched over six decades, making him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
He first found success on stage and television before breaking into film with roles in Barefoot in the Park (1967) and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), where his partnership with Paul Newman turned him into a global star.
He followed this with classics like The Sting (1973), All the President’s Men (1976), and Out of Africa (1985) .
In 1980, Redford made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, which won four Oscars, including Best Director for him.
He later directed films such as A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994). Beyond acting and directing, he founded the Sundance Film Festival, now the world’s leading showcase for independent films.
Throughout his life, Redford received countless awards: an Academy Award, a BAFTA, several Golden Globes, and in 2016, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He was also a committed activist, supporting environmental causes, Native American rights, and independent artists .
Robert Redford leaves behind a remarkable legacy as both a movie star and a champion of meaningful storytelling. His work will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences around the world.