American actor, filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist Robert Redford, known for his roles in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President’s Men, and The Sting, has died at the age of 89. He passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in Sundance, Utah.
According to his publicist, Cindi Berger, Redford died in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones. “Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, 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,” Berger said in a statement. She did not disclose the cause of death.
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936, Redford studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before making his Broadway debut in the 1959 play Tall Story. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with lead roles in The Chase, This Property Is Condemned, and Barefoot in the Park. His breakout came in 1969 with the iconic Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which established him as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Throughout the 1970s, Redford built on that success with acclaimed performances in The Candidate, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. With his blond hair, blue eyes, and effortless charm, he became a favourite leading man, appearing in several romances alongside his dramatic work.
In 1980, Redford made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, a critical and commercial triumph that won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Beyond acting and directing, Redford left a lasting mark on the film industry through his support of independent cinema. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to nurture emerging filmmakers and launched the Sundance Film Festival in 1985. Today, Sundance is one of the world’s leading film festivals, known for launching the careers of countless directors.
Redford was also deeply committed to activism and philanthropy. A lifelong environmentalist, he co-founded the Redford Centre, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental impact filmmaking, and worked closely with organisations like the NRDC to advocate for climate action and conservation.
Though he retired from acting in 2018, Redford continued to work as a filmmaker and remained active in his causes. He largely kept out of the spotlight in his later years, spending time on his ranch in Utah, close to the mountains he cherished.
He is survived by his wife, his former wife, two children, and seven grandchildren.
