Screen icon Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, has died at the age of 89.
The news was confirmed in a statement by his publicist, Cindi Berger, who said he died in his sleep “surrounded by those he loved,” at his home in Utah. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Redford shot to global fame opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and went on to deliver acclaimed performances in The Sting (1973), Three Days of the Condor (1975), and All the President’s Men (1976), among many others.
He made his directorial debut with Ordinary People (1980), which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Beyond his work on screen, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, which launched the Sundance Film Festival — now the largest and most influential celebration of independent film in the United States.
He is survived by his two daughters, Shauna and Amy, and his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, the 68-year-old German-born multimedia artist whose environmental work as been exhibited around the world.
He had four children with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. One son, Scott, died of sudden death syndrome when he was just 10 weeks old. David died from cancer in 2020 at the age of 58.
Hailed as Hollywood’s former golden boy, tributes have poured in for the late star.
Follow live updates below
Robert Redford remembered for his deep legacy in environmental activism and Native American advocacy
Classic films, pranks and a crushed Porsche: Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s rare friendship
Robert Redford: 11 of his most memorable performances and where to watch them
Jane Fonda says she ‘can’t stop crying’ in emotional statement after Robert Redford’s death
Robert Redford death: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid star and Hollywood legend dies aged 89
Key points
- Robert Redford death: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid star and Hollywood legend dies aged 89
- Inside the making of 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'
- Tribute: Robert Redford refused to be a Hollywood pretty-boy – and shaped modern cinema in the process
- Classic films, pranks and a crushed Porsche: Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s rare friendship
- 'All the President's Men' reporter Bob Woodward remembers Redford
Jane Fonda says she ‘can’t stop crying’ in emotional statement
16:00 , Inga ParkelJane Fonda has spoken out about her longtime friend Robert Redford’s death, saying she “can’t stop crying.”
The two worked on five films together, including Tall Story (1960), The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967), The Electric Horseman (1979), and Our Souls at Night (2017).
Read more:
Jane Fonda says she ‘can’t stop crying’ in emotional statement after Robert Redford’s death
Fonda worked on five movies with the legendary actor and director
Scarlett Johansson says Redford 'inspired' her to pursue acting
15:21 , Inga ParkelScarlett Johansson has added her heartfelt condolences following Redford’s passing.
In a statement shared with multiple outlets, the actor remembered the director “cast me in The Horse Whisperer when I was 11 years old.”
“Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story,” she recalled.
“Bob taught me what acting could be, and it was from his generosity and patience that I was inspired to pursue the possibilities of the craft.”
Johansson starred alongside Redford, who directed and led the film, about a young girl traumatized by a riding accident that injured her horse. To help her heal, her mother takes her and the horse to a “horse whisperer.”
Watch: Leonardo DiCaprio pays tribute to 'hero' Robert Redford
14:12 , Tom MurrayHow Sundance Film Festival became Robert Redford’s ultimate legacy
12:27 , Tom MurrayGreg Evans charts how Redford turned the former “US Film Festival” around into the global success it is today.
How Sundance Film Festival became Robert Redford’s ultimate legacy
Cannes Film Festival said Redford had 'unparalleled elegance'
11:45 , Jacob StolworthyThe Cannes Film Festival paid tribute to Redford.
“Forever Robert Redford. Forever the cowboy, the escapee, the candidate, the prisoner, the Great Gatsby, the con man, the student, the playboy, the loner, the cryptographer, the military man, the reporter, the rodeo champion, the lover, the baseball star, the sailor, the horse whisperer…
“More than 70 roles, nine directed films, the founding of the Sundance Independent Film Festival. And throughout a life dedicated to cinema, an unparalleled elegance in his art, his commitments, and his struggles. Redford was more than a myth: he was a role model.
“Forever Robert Redford, an electric horseman in love with freedom.”
Demi Moore pays tribute
11:15 , Jacob StolworthyDemi Moore has paid tribute to Robert Redford, with whom she starred in 1993 film Indecent Proposal.
"The world has lost an incredible actor, director, husband, father, friend… Robert’s legacy will live on forever in so many ways and I will carry the many memories we share close to my heart. What I would do for just one more dance."
Ethan Hawke says Redford's 'legacy remains ingrained in our culture'
10:34 , Jacob StolworthyEthan Hawke has paid his respects to Redford.
In a statement per Variety, the Dead Poets Society actor labeled the Hollywood legend “our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalist.”
“Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival,” Hawke said.
Robert Redford refused to be a Hollywood pretty-boy – and shaped modern cinema in the process
10:06 , Greg EvansThe legendary movie star, producer, filmmaker and activist, who has died at the age of 89, used his fame wisely and spent his career demonstrating his versatility on screen. But while his loss is great, writes Charlotte O’Sullivan, his fingerprints are all over the industry today:
Robert Redford refused to be a pretty-boy – and shaped modern cinema in the process
Robert Redford remembered for his deep legacy in environmental activism and Native American advocacy
09:30 , Shahana YasminRedford, who died Tuesday at age 89, was hardly the only liberal activist to emerge out of Hollywood, but few matched his knowledge and focus, his humility and dedication. Fellow actors and leaders of the causes he fought for spoke of his unusually deep legacy, his fight for Native Americans and the environment that began at the height of his stardom.
Robert Redford remembered for his deep legacy in environmental activism and Native American advocacy
Remembering Robert Redford in photos: the life of the Oscar-winning director and activist
09:00 , Shahana YasminRemembering Robert Redford in photos: the life of the Oscar-winning director and activist
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: How Robert Redford and Paul Newman captured Hollywood’s greatest outlaws
08:30 , Shahana YasminThe multiple Oscar-winning Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was a groundbreaking revisionist western, with Paul Newman and the late Robert Redford giving a timeless portrayal of a pair of law-breaking adventurers in one of Hollywood’s greatest examples of the “buddy film”.
Although William Goldman was convinced his film script about two American outlaws who fled a posse of Pinkerton detectives and escaped to Bolivia had the potential to be a blockbuster hit, the initial response was disheartening. “Every studio but one rejected it,” Goldman recalled in The Reluctant Storyteller. “One studio head said, ‘Well, I’ll buy it if they don’t go to South America.’ I said, ‘But they went there!’ He said, ‘I don’t give a s***. All I know is John Wayne don’t run away.’”
Marisa Tomei on Redford: ‘He showed up for the world’
08:15 , Shahana YasminMarisa Tomei shared a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford, calling him “the Sundance Kid, waving one last time.”
Tomei recalled a moment from early in Ms. Magazine’s history, when Redford’s PR office shared a building with the publication. “He volunteered his gorgeous back for their Oct ’75 cover, knowing the attention would help,” she wrote.
“Always lending his weight to something bigger than himself,” Tomei added. “A legend in every sense.
Classic films, pranks and a crushed Porsche: Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s rare friendship
07:56 , Kevin PerryRobert Redford and Paul Newman enjoyed a “bromance” long before the word had even been coined. Here’s a look back at their storied friendship - and the sports cars they crushed into a cube along the way:
Classic films, pranks and a crushed Porsche: Redford and Newman’s rare friendship
Journalist Bob Woodward remembers Robert Redford as a fierce storyteller and friend
07:45 , Shahana YasminBob Woodward paid tribute to Robert Redford on Instagram, looking back on their long connection.
Redford famously portrayed Woodward in the 1976 film All the President’s Men, and the two remained close over the years.
“He will be remembered as one of the greatest storytellers in our country’s history,” Woodward wrote. “He elevated stories beyond mainstream. He not only cared about the environment, but he took all conceivable actions to protect it.”
Robert Redford: 11 of his most memorable performances and where to watch them
07:31 , Shahana YasminRedford died Tuesday at 89, leaving behind an arsenal of great roles that he owned, whether he was playing a quiet CIA agent, a con man, a baseball player, a grizzled mariner, an ambitious journalist, or a charming WASP in love. His very last role came this year, a cameo in Dark Winds, the AMC show about Navajo police officers he produced.
This is a list of some of Redford's most memorable performances, but don’t forget about the films he directed, too: among them are the all-timers Ordinary People ( streaming on MGM+ ), which won him the best director Oscar, and Quiz Show (rent on AppleTV+ ), which got him another nod.
Robert Redford: 11 of his most memorable performances and where to watch them
Joe Mantegna remembers Redford as a co-star and 'role model'
07:00 , Kevin PerryJoe Mantegna, the character actor known for appearing in The Godfather Part III and voicing Fat Tony in The Simpsons, fondly recalled working with Redford.
He wrote on X: “How lucky was I to be able to share the screen in 1996 with Robert Redford in Up Close and Personal. He was a role model not just as an actor but as a human being.”
How lucky was I to be able to share the screen in 1996 with Robert Redford in “Up Close and Personal”. He was a role model not just as an actor but as a human being. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/irLXKheQxC
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) September 16, 2025
Rita Wilson pays tribute to Redford
06:51 , Shahana YasminRita Wilson took to Instagram to pay tribute to Robert Redford, reflecting on his immense impact on the world of cinema and beyond.
In a heartfelt message, Wilson highlighted Redford’s timeless artistry, noting how his love for young filmmakers and artists gave birth to the iconic Sundance Film Festival.
“Robert Redford. Your art stands the test of time. Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival. You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal,” she wrote.
Morgan Freeman says working with Redford was a ‘dream come true’
06:30 , Shahana YasminMorgan Freeman, who starred with Redford in Brubaker in 1980 and An Unfinished Life in 2005, said the two “instantly became friends” while working together.
He wrote on Instagram: “There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend.”
There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true.
— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) September 16, 2025
Rest peacefully, my friend. pic.twitter.com/gYEgi8YiFt
Ron Howard praises Redford as an 'artistic gamechanger'
06:15 , Kevin Perry
Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind director Ron Howard was full of praise for Redford, writing on X: “RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger.”
Kiefer Sutherland describes Redford as ‘one of the kindest people’
05:54 , Shahana YasminKiefer Sutherland shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on Robert Redford's impact on the industry.
“My heart goes out to Robert Redford‘s family. He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever worked for. A perfect example of the best we have to offer,” he wrote.
Edgar Wright calls Redford 'more than just a movie star'
04:00 , Kevin Perry
Edgar Wright, director of Shaun of the Dead and the upcoming The Running Man, saluted Redford for his work as an actor, filmmaker and beyond.
“Robert Redford was so much more than just a movie star. He was a great actor, director, and producer, and—through the creation of the Sundance Film Festival and the founding of the Sundance Institute—a tireless champion of independent cinema,” Wright wrote on Instagram.
“He supported countless fledgling filmmakers and helped launch many remarkable careers. But also… boy, what a movie star he was. Stunningly handsome and a wonderfully naturalistic actor, he moved effortlessly between drama and comedy. He chose his projects with intelligence, using his marquee power to champion groundbreaking scripts and often finding ways to play against his matinee-idol image.”
Christiane Amanpour says Redford 'made us think'
03:00 , Kevin PerryCNN host Christiane Amanpour, who interviewed Redford, said of the actor: “Amid so much global sadness and violence, let us remember a man, an actor, an activist: Robert Redford, who spent his whole career digging deep and making us think.“
Amid so much global sadness and violence, let us remember a man, an actor, an activist: Robert Redford, who spent his whole career digging deep and making us think. pic.twitter.com/FRgRtzDkno
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) September 16, 2025
Robert Rodriguez says Redford 'changed my life'
01:00 , Kevin Perry
From Dusk till Dawn and Spy Kids director Robert Rodriguez has joined the tributes to Redford, writing on X:
“I grew up on Robert Redford films, he was the massive superstar of my youth. So to have El Mariachi accepted into his Sundance Film Festival — the most important and prestigious independent film festival in the world — remains one of the biggest highlights of my life.
“His sanctuary in Park City was like a dream: You fly in, meet Redford, present your film, and hope good things would follow.
“The greatest honor I’ve ever had and will ever have was being awarded at Sundance. Thank you, Mr. Redford. Your vision and independent spirit forever changed my life.”
James Wood remembers Redford as an 'incredibly giving and lovely man'
Wednesday 17 September 2025 00:00 , Inga ParkelJames Wood has honored his co-star and mentor, recounting the first time they worked together.
“My first studio movie was The Way We Were,” the Casino actor said on X. He played Barbra Streisand’s love interest in the 1973 romance.
“Like everyone else I was dazzled by Bob and Barbara. They were both terrific to me and I learned a lot from them both,” he added.
He recalled when “Bob used to hide in my trailer so they’d stop pulling at him every five minutes.”
“We would sit and talk about the difference between theatre and movie acting, and his advice went a long way in my life,” he continued.
“Years later he came to a New York stage performance, and I remember he wrote a personal note to every one in the cast. He knew the impact he had on people, especially his fellow artists, and he used it graciously at every opportunity.”
Describing him as an “incredibly giving and lovely man,” Wood expressed his gratitude for “the short time and chats we had together. Thank you, Bob, and may you rest in peace.”
My first studio movie was The Way We Were. Like everyone else I was dazzled by Bob and Barbara. They were both terrific to me and I learned a lot from them both. Bob used to hide in my trailer so they’d stop pulling at him every five minutes. We would sit and talk about the… pic.twitter.com/M8NwXEzxMa
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 16, 2025
Glenn Close calls Redford 'a great friend'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 23:20 , Kevin Perry
Glenn Close starred with Redford in the 1984 sports film The Natural and they became lifelong friends.
In an appearance on CNN, Close said she was still in “shock” and “denial”.
“He was a great friend,” she added. “I learned a lot from him. He had the heart and soul of an artist, a true artist. He was always very authentic in his passions, which was Native Americans and their art, the environment, and the Sundance Institute.
“In fact, after The Natural he invited me to be on the board of Sundance, which I was on for 16 years. He came every single summer to those workshops, working alongside new talent and new voices. In an industry that is labelled as selfish and self-serving, he was a man who put his money and his life into what he believed in, which was giving back.”
Alec Baldwin says Redford sent him a letter after Rust death
Tuesday 16 September 2025 22:49 , Kevin PerryAlec Baldwin has posted an emotional tribute to Robert Redford, citing him as an acting great and revealing that he received a letter from the star after his trial for the accidental death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins concluded.
“‘I’m so sorry for what you had to go through,’” Baldwin recalled Redford writing. “I had the loveliest letter from Robert Redford.”
Listen to his full tribute to Redford here:
Julianne Moore says Redford was the 'first movie star I ever loved'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 22:30 , Inga ParkelJulianne Moore has remembered being starstruck by Redford during their first encounter.
“He was the first movie star that I ever loved,” the Oscar-winning Still Alice star said in an Instagram post.
“My sister sent me this photo this morning from #sundance,” Moore added of an old photo of her looking at Redford adoringly. “It was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence. #RIP Robert Redford We will all miss you.”
Bob Woodward salutes 'noble' Redford
Tuesday 16 September 2025 22:08 , Kevin Perry
One of Robert Redford’s most celebrated roles was playing the journalist Bob Woodward in the Watergate thriller All The President’s Men.
Today, Woodward paid tribute to Redford in a statement:
“Robert Redford was genuine, a noble and principled force for good who fought successfully to find and communicate the truth. Over 50 years of friendship, he always said what he was going to do and then did it. He urged Carl Bernstein and myself to tell the Watergate story through the eyes and experiences of our reporting and the relations between the two of us. That resulted in our book “All the President’s Men” and later the movie in 1976. His impact and influence on my life cannot be overstated. I loved him, and admired him — for his friendship, his fiery independence, and the way he used any platform he had to help make the world better, fairer, brighter for others.
“He will be remembered as one of the great storytellers in our country’s history. He elevated stories beyond the mainstream. He not only cared about the environment, but he took all conceivable actions to protect it.
“I interviewed him several times over the last 10 years about the state of this country and recorded them with his permission. Here are some quotes that show the Redford I knew and loved.
“On New Year’s Eve 2021, Redford said he had rewatched All the President’s Men a few days prior. ‘I was just taken aback by how appropriate it was, how timely it was and how little has really changed. We don’t have Nixon anymore, we have Trump.’
“‘You know time waits for no one,’ Redford said. ‘Time moves on and you have to move on with it or get lost behind. And I thought, well, at my age — at the age I’m at, 85, at one time there was a long road ahead of me and now that road is a lot shorter and I don’t have a lot of time to mess around. So you do the best you can with what you’ve got left… We have to do something that changes the scenario, changes the dialogue. Just like we did many years ago with Watergate.’
“‘We live in a country where we can’t call ourselves the United States of America,’ Redford said. ‘We just can’t. We’re the Divided States of America because of the political parties and they’re so robust in their anxieties…’
“In September 2022, I told Redford my reporting showed that Trump was trying to destroy democracy. ‘He doesn’t understand it,’ Redford said. ‘So it’s easy for him to destroy it. It is easy to destroy something you don’t understand. You can claim it doesn’t exist.’
“About himself he said, ‘I think I just have an outlaw sensibility. I’ve always been independent. I’ve always wanted to stay free. Freedom is very important to me. I didn’t want to go anywhere, do anything where my freedom was going to be thwarted. And of course, when you’re that focused on freedom, you’re also focused on independence. So I wanted to be independent.’
“In an earlier 2019 interview with Redford, he said, ‘One last thing before we go on about why I am the way I am. Not wanting to be pinned down, not wanting to be corralled. I was totally free as a child. I was totally free… Those were the earlier years that kind of define why I think there’s some part of me still that way. Not wanting to be pulled into a group situation, wanting to maintain some independence.’
“Godspeed, Robert Redford.”
Maria Shriver reacts to Redford's death
Tuesday 16 September 2025 21:30 , Inga ParkelMaria Shriver reacted to a report of Redford’s passing on X, writing: “What a loss. Robert Redford was a giant, a true Architect of Change.
“His films were moving in all the right ways. He made you think, he made you believe in love, and he believed in true filmmaker,” said the journalist and former First Lady of California.
“So many admired him, adored him, and respected him. A life well lived. I send my love and support to his family.”
What a loss. Robert Redford was a giant, a true Architect of Change. His films were moving in all the right ways. He made you think, he made you believe in love, and he believed in true filmmakers. So many admired him, adored him, and respected him. A life well lived. I send my… https://t.co/G8vzJjMmRI
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) September 16, 2025
Ethan Hawke says Redford's 'legacy remains ingrained in our culture'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 21:15 , Inga ParkelEthan Hawke has paid his respects to Redford.
In a statement per Variety, the Dead Poets Society actor labeled the Hollywood legend “our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalist.”
“Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival,” Hawke said.
Classic films, pranks and a crushed Porsche: Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s rare friendship
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:59 , Kevin PerryRedford and Newman enjoyed a “bromance” long before the word had even been coined. Here’s a look back at their friendship - and the Porsches they crushed into a cube along the way:
Classic films, pranks and a crushed Porsche: Redford and Newman’s rare friendship
Edward Norton says Redford was his 'North Star'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:44 , Kevin Perry
Fight Club star Edward Norton has posted a lengthy and passionate tribute to Redford, writing on Instagram:
“Redford. I have to pause to celebrate and give thanks for this man as an artist and good human. It’s hard to overstate the inspiration he provided in so many dimensions and at so many phases of life.
“Growing up in my house if Butch and Sundance was on, you hit pause on plans and you watched it. Same for The Sting. Same for All the President’s Men, Three Days of the Condor, Jeremiah Johnson. And I’ll never forget seeing Out of Africa in our hometown cinema and how hard my mom cried and knowing this was a film for all time. And, as I began to actually dream about making films and what that would be like, the dawning awareness and amazement that he’d directed Ordinary People, which I watched at least 10 times. And A River Runs Through It, which I’ve seen too many times to count.
“Long before I got educated on Orson Welles, Redford was THE North Star guiding actors who aspired to direct. And then Sundance. The man literally birthed modern American independent cinema, gave a cradle and nursery and the children of that nurturing forum became a lot of the best filmmakers of my generation.
“When I was first coming up in NY, the dream wasn’t Hollywood, it was to emerge like [Soderbergh] at Sundance. During the first period of corporate consolidation of media we kept auteur cinema… independent and diverse cinema…alive in this country because of Robert Redford and Sundance.
“We take it for granted now but that simply did not have a home and a platform until he built it and asserted its value. And on top of all of that he started talking about the protection of the environment before it was common or cool to do so. Lobbied for it, used his star wattage and exhorted people to care.
“Anyone in our industry who took up that cause will tell you that he inspired them. We’re all drafting in his slipstream in so many positive ways. If you’re a fan of current films and actors… hell, if you care about this country… and you don’t fully grasp why so many of us hold him in such high esteem…please go watch these films and read a bit about the things he did that made the world better, so that his ripples never reach the shore. Redford Forever”
Leonardo DiCaprio hails Redford as a 'champion of the arts'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:30 , Inga ParkelLeonardo DiCaprio has honored his Great Gatsby predecessor, Redford, in a statement via Variety.
Hailing Redford as “an actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts,” DiCaprio said, “His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
Though the two never appeared together on screen, they both stepped into the role of Jay Gatsby — Redford in the 1974 adaptation and DiCaprio in the 2013 version.
Barbra Streisand honors 'one of a kind' and 'charismatic' Redford
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:22 , Inga ParkelBarbra Streisand has also honored Redford in a lengthy Instagram post.
“Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy. We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them!” she began.
“Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.”
Remembering him as “charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever,” Streisand recalled the last time she saw him for lunch.
“We discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings,” she added, lauding him as “one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
The two co-led the 1973 romance drama The Way We Were, directed by Sydney Pollack.
Nancy Sinatra extends condolences to Redford's loved ones
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:15 , Inga ParkelNancy Sinatra reacted to Redmond’s passing on X, writing: “Sending sincere condolences to his loved ones. I’m so sorry.
“In a world of chaos, Bob was always a steady example of activism, wisdom, talent and kindness,” continued the eldest daughter of Frank Sinatra. “May his soul shine in the Universe forever.
Sending sincere condolences to his loved ones. I'm so sorry.
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) September 16, 2025
In a world of chaos, Bob was always a steady example of activism, wisdom, talent and kindness.
May his soul shine in the Universe forever. https://t.co/l2mh72lN1W
Morgan Freeman calls working with Redford a 'dream come true'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:00 , Inga ParkelMorgan Freeman honored his friend Redford on X, recalling the first time they worked together.
“There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends,” the Oscar-winning actor said on X.
“Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true,” Freeman added, alongside a still of the two of them from the 2005 drama. “Rest peacefully, my friend.”
There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true.
— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) September 16, 2025
Rest peacefully, my friend. pic.twitter.com/gYEgi8YiFt
Josh Brolin reveals he auditioned for one of Redford's films
Tuesday 16 September 2025 19:45 , Inga ParkelActor Josh Brolin revealed that he once auditioned to star in a Redford film.
While he didn’t land the part, the No Country for Old Men star remembered he still had “a great time” with the director.
“He was present and told me a lot of great stories. He never, from what I could tell, drank the Kool-Aid,” Brolin wrote of the late legend on Instagram.
“He beat to his own drum. He was moved by a grit and a light that was fueled and billowed from inside himself. As a misfit, he found a way and utilized it himself fully. Hear! Hear! Too many people drinking the Kool-Aid nowadays,” he added, including a photo of Redford in the 1972 Western Jeremiah Johnson.
“His is a life to be celebrated. A career comes and goes. But for those you move...there’s that diamond that never decomposes. Rest in Peace, Redford. You were one of the great humans.”
Nancy Pelosi remembers Redford as a 'fearless artist' and 'environmental champion'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 19:30 , Inga ParkelFormer Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi honored Redford with an old picture of the two of them at an event.
“Today, our nation mourns the loss of Robert Redford: a fearless artist, environmental champion and founder of Sundance—who opened doors for independent storytellers everywhere,” the Democratic California Senator wrote on X.
“His legacy of courage, creativity and conscience will continue to inspire us. Paul and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sibylle and the entire Redford family. May he rest in peace.”
Today, our nation mourns the loss of Robert Redford: a fearless artist, environmental champion and founder of Sundance—who opened doors for independent storytellers everywhere.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 16, 2025
His legacy of courage, creativity and conscience will continue to inspire us.
Paul and I extend our… pic.twitter.com/MvaQOBDMYB
The Russo brothers 'deeply saddened'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:59 , Tom MurrayFamed Marvel directors Anthony and Joe Russo paid tribute to Redford on Instagram, sharing a picture of the three of them alongside Robert Downey Jr.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the incomparable Robert Redford — a true legend whose acting and directing inspired us throughout our careers,” they wrote.
“His legacy will live on through his extraordinary films, his incredible performances, his tireless activism, and the profound influence that Sundance has had on the trajectory of the industry, and the lives of thousands of filmmakers. There are very few people who have impacted modern storytelling as significantly as Robert … and we are deeply grateful for our time with him.”
Antonio Banderas pays tribute
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:45 , Tom Murray“Robert Redford leaves us, an icon of cinema in every sense,” wrote the Spanish actor.
“Actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Festival. His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory. RIP.”
Robert Redford leaves us, an icon of cinema in every sense. Actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Festival. His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory. RIP.
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) September 16, 2025
Nos deja Robert Redford, un icono del cine con mayúsculas.… pic.twitter.com/exQP88HgbS
'The View' co-hosts remember Redford
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:40 , Tom MurrayWhoopi Goldberg opened chat show The View Tuesday with the news of Redford’s death, leading to audible gasps from the audience.
“I was really struck by his work on climate change,” co-host Sunny Hostin said. “He knew that it would be a problem before many people were paying attention. That says something about caring for the world that he would leave behind.”
'The View' co-hosts remember Hollywood legend Robert Redford who passed away at 89. pic.twitter.com/iHSnzJ3vtN
— The View (@TheView) September 16, 2025
James Gunn shares his 10 favorite Redford films
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:16 , Tom MurrayThe Guardians of the Galaxy director reflected on the great actor’s work before sharing some recommendations.
“I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace. He was THE movie star, and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Robert,” wrote Gunn.
“If you want to watch a Redford movie that isn't The Sting or Butch Cassidy, here are ten I love: Three Days of the CondorAll the President's MenThe NaturalAll Is LostOrdinary PeopleBrubakerJeremiah JohnsonBarefoot in the ParkCaptain America Winter SoldierThe Candidate.”
I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace. He was THE movie star, and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Robert. If you want to watch a Redford movie that isn't the Sting or Butch Cassidy, here are ten I love:
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 16, 2025
Three Days of the Condor… pic.twitter.com/ZrkZffzRH3
Sundance mourns the loss of its founder
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:07 , Tom MurraySundance, the film institute founded by Redford in the 1980s, shared in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford.
“Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world.
“Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process.
“We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.”
William Shatner sends his condolences
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:03 , Tom MurrayThe Star Trek actor shared on X simply: “Condolences to the family of Robert Redford.”
Condolences to the family of Robert Redford. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 16, 2025
Ben Stiller: 'No actor more iconic'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 17:41 , Tom MurrayNo actor more iconic. pic.twitter.com/2jarEnRcTF
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) September 16, 2025
Hillary Clinton calls Redford a 'true American icon'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 17:25 , Tom Murray“I always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next,” Clinton shared on Instagram alongside a photo of her and husband, former president Bill Clinton, with the actor.
“He championed progressive values like protecting the environment and access to the arts while creating opportunities for new generations of activists and filmmakers. A true American icon.”
Director Ron Howard thanks Redford for his legacy
Tuesday 16 September 2025 17:14 , Tom Murray“#RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival, which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger,” wrote Apollo 13 director Howard.
Ex-costar Jane Fonda says she 'can't stop crying'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 16:40 , Tom MurrayJane Fonda has shared an emotional statement in light of Redford’s death. The two co-starred in five movies together over two decades and had an enduring friendship.
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for,” she wrote in a statement.
