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Jane Fonda and Meryl Streep are leading the celebrity tributes after Robert Redford, the beloved Oscar-winning actor and director, died at the age of 89.
His death was announced in a statement to the New York Times by Cindi Berger, the chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK. She said he died in his sleep at his home in Utah, without detailing the cause of death.
Fonda, a frequent costar of Redford, said his death her "hit me hard."
"I can't stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way," she said in a statement, via her rep, on Tuesday.
Streep, who starred alongside Redford in the 1985 drama Out of Africa, added in a statement, "One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend."
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What To Know
- He won the Oscar for Best Director for Ordinary People in 1981.
- Redford was also an outspoken advocate for environmental and political causes, and campaigned on conservation, climate change, and social justice for decades.
- In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting following his role in The Old Man & the Gun.
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Sep 16, 2025 at 04:51 PM EDT
Maria Shriver calls Redford a ‘true architect of change’
Maria Shriver paid tribute to Robert Redford on Tuesday, calling him a "true Architect of Change."
"What a loss," she wrote on X. "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 love and support to his family."
Sep 16, 2025 at 04:44 PM EDT
Elizabeth McGovern shares early career story honoring Robert Redford
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Following the death of Robert Redford at age 89, actress Elizabeth McGovern reflected on the kindness he showed her at the start of her career. Redford passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family.
McGovern was just 18 when Redford cast her in Ordinary People, his directorial debut. At the time, she had also been accepted to Juilliard and considered turning down the role. Redford offered a solution: he arranged to film her scenes on weekends so she could attend school during the week.
McGovern later credited the gesture as pivotal, calling it "a caring thing to do for an 18-year-old kid." The role helped launch her into a successful career, including an Oscar nomination and her acclaimed performance in Downton Abbey.
Sep 16, 2025 at 04:31 PM EDT
Robert Redford remembered as a pillar of environmental advocacy
Robert Redford, who died September 16 at age 89, leaves behind a towering legacy not only in film but in environmental activism. For over five decades, Redford served as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), using his global platform to champion public lands, climate action, and environmental justice.
NRDC President Manish Bapna called Redford "a giant" of the movement, praising his ability to use storytelling to galvanize public support for ambitious change. From opposing coal development in Utah in the 1970s to rallying support for the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Redford's advocacy helped shape landmark environmental victories.
Among his most notable efforts:
- Helped establish the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge through legislative advocacy in the 1970s
- Raised early awareness about climate change in the 1980s
- Opposed anti-environmental legislation in the 1990s
- Led campaigns against destructive mining projects in Alaska and Utah
- Supported international climate efforts, including the Paris Climate Treaty in 2015
In 2003, NRDC named its Santa Monica office in his honor—a gesture Redford once joked was worth "taking care of the compost." His decades of hands-on activism, humility, and strategic vision made him one of the most influential environmental advocates of his generation.
Sep 16, 2025 at 04:18 PM EDT
Mariska Hargitay honors Robert Redford with personal tribute
Following the death of legendary actor Robert Redford at age 89, Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on the wisdom he once offered her.
In an Instagram post shared Tuesday, Hargitay recalled Redford's advice: "Always speak from your heart," calling the words "profound and life-changing."
Sep 16, 2025 at 03:58 PM EDT
Robert Redford remembered for Twilight Zone role after death
Robert Redford, the celebrated actor, director, and activist, died peacefully in his sleep on September 16 at age 89. Known for iconic roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President's Men, Redford leaves behind a legacy that transformed both Hollywood and independent film.
Among his earliest and most poignant performances was his 1962 appearance in The Twilight Zone episode "Nothing in the Dark." Redford played Officer Harold Beldon, a gentle embodiment of Death who comforts an elderly woman terrified of dying. The episode, now considered one of the series' most enduring, showcased Redford's ability to bring warmth and depth to even the most abstract roles.
Reflecting on the part years later, Redford said he was drawn to the character's compassion and the script's emotional resonance. He credited Rod Serling's writing and his co-star Gladys Cooper for the episode's lasting impact, noting it became one of the most-watched in the show's history.
Redford's career spanned decades, but his portrayal of Death as a quiet guide remains one of his most haunting and human performances.
Sep 16, 2025 at 03:43 PM EDT
Josh Brolin pays tribute to Robert Redford after actor’s death at 89
Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Redford, who died Tuesday at age 89 near his home in Provo, Utah. Among those honoring the screen legend is actor Josh Brolin, who shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram reflecting on Redford's influence and character.
Brolin recalled auditioning for Redford years ago, describing the experience as memorable despite not landing the role. He praised Redford's authenticity, saying he "beat to his own drum" and was driven by an inner light and grit that shaped his artistry.
Calling Redford a "misfit" who forged his own path, Brolin emphasized the lasting impact of his work and spirit: "A career comes and goes. But for those you move... there's that diamond that never decomposes."
Sep 16, 2025 at 03:38 PM EDT
Family requests privacy
Robert Redford's longtime publicist Cindi Berger told Newsweek: "Robert Redford passed away... 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."
Sep 16, 2025 at 03:19 PM EDT
Barbra Streisand honors Robert Redford’s legacy and their time on ‘The Way We Were’
Barbra Streisand paid heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford following his death at age 89, reflecting on their time together filming the 1973 romantic drama The Way We Were. In a personal message shared on Instagram, Streisand described Redford as "charismatic, intelligent, intense" and "one of the finest actors ever," recalling the joy and depth of their collaboration.
She noted their contrasting backgrounds—Redford's love of horses and her allergy to them—as symbolic of the dynamic between their characters, Katie and Hubbell. Streisand also shared that their final meeting included a discussion about art and a plan to exchange drawings.
Sep 16, 2025 at 02:56 PM EDT
Robert Redford helped shape Watergate film, journalists reveal
Robert Redford played a pivotal role in bringing All the President's Men to the screen—not just as its star, but as a driving force behind its creation. Journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein recently revealed that Redford contacted them during the early days of the Watergate scandal, urging them to consider the story behind their reporting as a compelling narrative in itself.
Speaking at a book reading in East Hampton, Bernstein recalled Redford's belief that the dynamic between the two reporters—their differences, tensions, and eventual trust—was central to the drama.
Initially wary of Hollywood's interest, Bernstein even told Woodward to stop answering Redford's calls. But Redford persisted, ultimately co-producing the 1976 film that became a landmark in political cinema.
Sep 16, 2025 at 02:00 PM EDT
Robert Redford’s most memorable roles
Robert Redford's cinematic legacy spans decades, genres, and generations. From romantic dramas to political thrillers, his performances helped define American film. Following his death at age 89, fans and critics alike are revisiting the roles that made him a cultural icon.
Among his most beloved films is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), where Redford's chemistry with Paul Newman launched a lifelong friendship and a new standard for buddy films. In The Sting (1973), the duo reunited for a stylish con caper that won Best Picture. Redford's turn in All the President's Men (1976) as journalist Bob Woodward brought the Watergate scandal to the big screen with gripping realism.
He also shone in romantic classics like The Way We Were (1973) and Out of Africa (1985), and took risks with quieter, introspective roles in All Is Lost (2013) and The Old Man & the Gun (2018), the latter serving as a fitting swan song to his acting career.
Redford's impact wasn't limited to acting—his directorial work on Ordinary People and Quiz Show earned critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a storyteller with depth and vision. His final screen appearance came in 2025 with a cameo in Dark Winds, closing a career that shaped the very fabric of American cinema.
Sep 16, 2025 at 01:40 PM EDT
Scarlett Johansson reflects on Robert Redford’s influence
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Scarlett Johansson's early experience working with Robert Redford on The Horse Whisperer left a lasting impression on her craft and career ambitions.
At just 13, Johansson found herself guided by Redford's dual role as actor and director, describing their collaboration as deeply communicative and creatively enriching.
In later interviews, Johansson credited Redford's actor-focused approach with inspiring her own interest in directing. She recalled how he patiently walked her through character development and story context, creating a sense of intimacy on a large-scale production.
Sep 16, 2025 at 01:23 PM EDT
Robert Redford’s final film role was in ‘Avengers: Endgame’
Though Redford announced his retirement in 2018 after The Old Man & the Gun, his final onscreen appearance came in an unexpected genre: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Avengers: Endgame (2019), Redford reprised his role as Alexander Pierce, a duplicitous S.H.I.E.L.D. official first introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. His brief cameo, filmed before his retirement, now stands as his cinematic farewell.
Pierce's character played a pivotal role in reshaping the MCU, orchestrating Hydra's infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D. and launching Project Insight. This storyline led to the agency's collapse and altered the franchise's trajectory. With just two appearances, Redford left a lasting mark on one of the most influential film universes of the 21st century.
His passing closes the chapter on a career that bridged classic Hollywood and modern blockbusters, reminding audiences of the enduring power of storytelling across genres and generations.
Sep 16, 2025 at 01:20 PM EDT
Morgan Freeman pays tribute to ‘friend’ Redford
Sep 16, 2025 at 01:06 PM EDT
Robert Redford remembered for environmental legacy beyond the screen
Robert Redford, the legendary actor and director who died Tuesday at his Utah home, leaves behind more than a storied film career—he leaves a decades-long legacy of environmental advocacy. Known for iconic roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men, Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival, reshaping independent cinema. But his influence extended far beyond Hollywood.
For over 50 years, Redford served as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council, using his platform to champion conservation and climate action. He was instrumental in pushing for the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in the 1970s and later opposed efforts to scale back protections for Bears Ears National Monument and Bryce Canyon.
Redford's activism included campaigns against mining projects in Alaska and nuclear waste disposal in New Mexico. Ahead of the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, he urged global leaders to act swiftly, warning, "This may be our last chance."
Even in his final years, Redford remained politically engaged, supporting legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and voicing concern over environmental rollbacks.
Sep 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM EDT
Robert Redford and religion: When he met the Pope
Actor and director Robert Redford met with Pope Francis in Vatican City in 2019.
The environmental activist had previously lauded the Pope for his views on climate change after Pope Francis addressed Congress about the issue in 2015.
However, Redford's thoughts on religion were more complicated.
When asked during an interview with Playboy: 'Do you believe in an afterlife?'
He responded: "I'm not sure I do. I've explored every religion, some very deeply, enough to know there's not one philosophy that can satisfy me. Problems can't be solved with one way of thinking. If anything is my guide, nature is...
"That's where my spirituality is. I don't believe in organized religion, because I don't believe people should be organized in how they think, in what they believe. That has never been driven home as hard as with the [Bush] administration...
"Is there an afterlife? As far as I know, this is it. It's all we've got. You take your opportunities and you go for it."
Sep 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM EDT
Man behind the meme—and it’s not Zach Galifianakis
In a viral twist that left social media reeling, a widely circulated GIF long believed to feature comedian Zach Galifianakis was revealed to be none other than a young Robert Redford. The clip, taken from the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson, shows Redford in character as a rugged mountain man nodding in quiet approval—a moment that became a staple reaction meme across platforms.
The confusion peaked in 2019 when users on X began realizing the bearded figure wasn't Galifianakis, whose breakout role in The Hangover came decades later, but Redford at age 35.
Sep 16, 2025 at 12:44 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: Robert Redford in 1976’s ‘All the President’s Men’
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Sep 16, 2025 at 12:37 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: Robert Redford in 1973 movie ‘The Sting’
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Sep 16, 2025 at 12:36 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: Robert Redford in 1974 ‘The Great Gatsby’
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Sep 16, 2025 at 12:22 PM EDT
What do we know about Robert Redford’s funeral?
So far no funeral arrangements have been publicly announced.
When they are, they are likely to take place in Utah, Robert Redford's longtime and family home.
Sep 16, 2025 at 12:09 PM EDT
Who is Robert Redford’s family that could inherit his wealth?
Robert Redford had four children with his ex-wife, historian Lola Van Wagenen. Two of those children, James and Scott Redford, have died. His two surviving children, daughters Shauna and Amy Redford, and his grandchildren are all seen as potential stewards of the family's artistic and environmental legacy.
With decades of influence in film and environmental advocacy, Robert Redford's impact is likely to live on through his family's involvement in the causes and creative work he helped shape. That includes the Sundance Institute and the Redford Center, the nonprofit platforms now run in part by his children and grandchildren.
Robert Redford married his second wife, German painter Sibylle Szaggars, in 2009.
While his will has not been made public, his children and grandchildren have become deeply involved in his legacy.
Shauna Redford
Shauna Redford is Robert Redford's eldest surviving child. She is a painter who graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1985 and has mostly maintained a low public profile. That same year, she married journalist and author Eric Schlosser, best known for Fast Food Nation. The couple have two children, Mica and Conor Schlosser.
Both have pursued creative careers: Mica Schlosser is a copywriter and illustrator with a master's degree from the University of Oxford, while Conor Schlosser is a producer at RadicalMedia and formerly worked at the Sundance Institute.
Amy Redford
Amy Redford is the youngest of Robert Redford's children and remains active in film as a director and producer. She studied theater at San Francisco State University and has directed several features, including The Guitar (2008).
She has three daughters: Eden August, who was born in 2008, and twin girls born in 2010. She lives in Salt Lake City and co-hosts a podcast called Scrappy Broads.
Dylan Redford
Dylan Redford is Robert Redford's grandson, the oldest son of James Redford, who died from cancer in 2020. Like many in his family, he pursued a career in filmmaking, becoming a producer and actor, and he sits on the board of directors for the Redford Center.
Sep 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT
Jane Fonda says she can’t stop crying
Jane Fonda said that has been in tears since learning of Robert Redford's death.
"It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone," said Fonda, a frequent costar of Redford.
The pair starred in five movies together, including The Chase, over two decades and had a close friendship.
"I can't stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way," she said in a statement, via her rep, on Tuesday.
Sep 16, 2025 at 11:38 AM EDT
Director Ron Howard praises Redford as ‘artistic gamechanger’
Director Ron Howard praised Robert Redford in his tribute, thanking the star for launching the Sundance Film Festival "which supercharged America's Independent Film movement."
"A tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director," Howard wrote on X on Tuesday. "Artistic Gamechanger."
Sep 16, 2025 at 11:23 AM EDT
Robert Redford’s advocacy for cancer, and organ transplants after son’s diagnosis
James "Jamie" Redford, Robert Redford's son, with his first wife Lola Van Wagenen, was diagnosed with bile-duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), a rare and aggressive cancer in the liver's bile ducts.
Jamie Redford, a filmmaker and an environmental advocate, also suffered serious liver issues for much of his life. In 1993 he received two liver transplants to treat a rare autoimmune disease affecting his liver.
He died on October 16, 2020, at age 58.
Robert Redford released a statement through his representatives following his son's death, "The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment."
Robert Redford founded the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, with his son.
Jamie Redford also addressed health-related issues, chemical exposure and organ donation through his films, such as documentary Toxic Hot Seat, which focused on health risks associated with flame retardant chemicals.
Sep 16, 2025 at 11:09 AM EDT
WATCH: Moment Robert Redford receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Obama
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:54 AM EDT
Meryl Streep pays tribute to her former Out of Africa costar
Meryl Streep, who starred alongside Robert Redford in the 1985 drama Out of Africa, paid tribute to her costar on Tuesday.
"One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend," said Streep, in a brief statement shared with AFP via her publicist, Ashton Fontana.
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:45 AM EDT
Colman Domingo thanks Redford for his ‘everlasting impact’
Actor Colman Domingo, who starred in Fear The Walking Dead and Candyman, thanked Redford for his "everlasting impact."
"With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P." the Emmy-winner wrote on X.
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:40 AM EDT
What was Robert Redford’s political views? What to know
Robert Redford was renowned for his activism, especially his work with environmentalism.
However, in mainstream politics, Redford avoided partisan labels. Instead, he simply aligned himself with progressive values, emphasizing civil rights, social justice, and environmental responsibility.
He also wasn't afraid to criticize both sides of the aisle.
In a 2019 op-ed for NBC News, he warned that, "Leaders on both sides lack the fundamental courage to cross political aisles on behalf of what is good for the American people."
Redford also later became critical of Donald Trump and his administration, who he called "dictator-like."
The actor's strongest political stance was tied to the environment. He was an outspoken supporter of conservation, renewable energy, and climate action. For decades, he worked with organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and campaigned against projects that he believed threatened ecosystems, including oil drilling in sensitive areas. His environmental activism earned him recognition from both government and nonprofit groups, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received from Barack Obama in 2016.
He also expressed his disillusionment with American politics, in terms of getting real action through on climate change.
"Congress has become rather hopeless in terms of getting anything accomplished. Over the years I tried to put whatever voice I could on this but I went to the wrong place. I went to the Congress. I lobbied in the Senate. I lobbied in the House [of Representatives]. And it wasn't going anywhere. ... You have to move on without it because if you wait for that you will die and they will still be talking." he told TIME.
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:26 AM EDT
Everything Robert Redford has said about Donald Trump
Beyond his Hollywood legacy, Robert Redford was known for his outspoken views on American politics — and Donald Trump was no exception. Throughout Trump's rise and presidency, Redford often weighed in with sharp criticism and warnings about the president's impact on democracy.
'I Think He Shakes Things Up'
In 2015, Redford told Larry King Now, when asked about Trump. "Look he's got such a big foot in his mouth, I'm not sure you're going to get it out. But on the other hand, I'm glad he's in there."
He added: "I'm glad he's in there because him being the way he is, and saying what he says the way he says it, I think shakes things up and I think that's very needed. Because on the other side, it's so bland, it's so boring, it's so empty."
Responding in a Twitter post focusing on the latter remarks, Trump tweeted: "Wow! Such nice words from Robert Redford on my running for President. Thank you, Robert,"
A spokesperson for Redford told the Hollywood Reporter at the time that the quote reflects the actor's enjoyment of Trump as a character, but doesn't indicate his support for Trump as president.
Read in full from Martha McHardy on Newsweek.
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:16 AM EDT
Celebrities react to Robert Redford death
Celebrities have flocked to social media to pay tribute to Robert Redford after his death was announced on Tuesday.
"Oh hubbell - we will never be the same - goodnight bob - what a legacy #sundancefilmfestival #redford," Rosie O'Donnell wrote via Instagram.
Horror author Stephen King shared on X: "Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89."
"RIP Robert Redford, 89," Piers Morgan added on X. "One of the all-time great movie stars. A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favourite films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, All The President's Men. What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss."
Read in full from Megan Cartwright on Newsweek.
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:09 AM EDT
What was Robert Redford’s cause of death? What to know about how he died
Robert Redford died at the age of 89.
His death was announced in a statement to the New York Times by Cindi Berger, the chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK.
Berger did not detail his cause of death, but said he had died in his sleep at his home in Utah.
Sep 16, 2025 at 10:03 AM EDT
WATCH: Robert Redford movies: Five iconic roles from Sundance to The Sting
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:57 AM EDT
President Donald Trump reacts to death of Robert Redford
President Donald Trump told reporters that he thought Robert Redford was "great," after learning about the star's death on Tuesday.
"Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better," Trump told the press as he left the White House for his state visit to the U.K.
"There was a period of time when he was the hottest. I thought he was great," he said.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:50 AM EDT
Jake Tapper shares tribute to Robert Redford
CNN anchor Jake Tapper shared a GIF of the actor in The Way We Were as he paid tribute on Tuesday.
"RIP Robert Redford," he wrote on X.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:47 AM EDT
William Shatner offers condolences after Redford’s death
Star Trek star William Shatner has shared his tribute to Robert Redford, as he offered his condolences to the Hollywood A-lister's family in a post on X.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:44 AM EDT
Who was Robert Redford’s ex-wife, Lola Van Wagenen?
Lola Van Wagenen, born December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, is a historian, documentary producer, and activist.
She married Robert Redford in 1958, before his rise to Hollywood stardom.
The couple had four children together: Scott, who died in infancy, and three surviving children, Shauna, David James "Jamie," and Amy. Their marriage lasted nearly three decades before ending in divorce in 1985.
Alongside her family life, Van Wagenen built a career focused on education and public engagement with history.
She returned to school in the 1980s, earning a bachelor's degree from Vermont College, a master's in public history from New York University, and later a Ph.D. in American History from NYU. Her dissertation was later published as Sister-Wives and Suffragists: Polygamy and the Politics of Woman Suffrage, 1870–1896, contributing to scholarship on women's rights and 19th-century social movements.
Her activism extended beyond academia. In 1970, Van Wagenen co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer education and environmental awareness. She later co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc., a project that produces documentary films, interactive exhibits, and digital content to make history accessible to wider audiences. Her work has included serving as an executive producer on films such as Miss America: A Documentary Film and The State of Marriage.
Van Wagenen's advocacy and work have been recognized with numerous honors. She received an honorary Doctorate of Science from Pratt Institute for her work on environmental education and conservation, and in 2012, New York University awarded her the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
In 2002, she remarried, wedding George Burrill, founder of the international development firm ARD, Inc.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:35 AM EDT
What was Robert Redford’s last movie
Robert Redford's last movie as a leading actor is The Old Man & the Gun (2018), directed by David Lowery.
In that film, Redford plays Forrest Tucker, a real-life career criminal known for escaping from prison several times and for committing a string of audacious bank robberies well into his later years.
He announced that it would be his final feature film role, telling Entertainment Weekly at the time, "Never say never, but I pretty well concluded that this would be it for me in terms of acting ... I'll move towards retirement after this 'cause I've been
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:32 AM EDT
Actress Marlee Matlin honors passing of ‘genius’ Redford
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:29 AM EDT
Piers Morgan honors ‘Hollywood legend’, as he reveals Redford’s favorite movie he starred in
British TV host Piers Morgan paid tribute to "one of the all-time great movie stars."
"RIP Robert Redford, 89," he wrote on X. "A true Hollywood legend...What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss."
Morgan also shared a clip of himself interviewing Redford, in which he asks the actor which of the movies he starred in, was his favorite.
"Butch Cassidy, because it was so much fun," Redford answered.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:18 AM EDT
Stephen King pays tribute to Robert Redford
Horror writer Stephen King has paid tribute to acting legend and director Robert Redford in a post on X.
King described Redford as being "part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s."
"Hard to believe he was 89," he added.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:14 AM EDT
How Redford became the accidental star of a famous GIF
Many internet users will be familiar with the GIF of a rugged outdoorsman, who slowly smiles and nods as the camera closes in on them.
However, few will be familiar with where that clip actually comes from. And even less will know that it stars Hollywood legend Robert Redford.
The clip is taken from Jeremiah Johnson, a 1972 Western film, directed by Sydney Pollack, loosely based around the life of mountain man John Jeremiah Johnson, recounted in Raymond Thorp and Robert Bunker's book Crow Killer: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson.
Redford plays the titular character.
Sep 16, 2025 at 09:07 AM EDT
Who is Robert Redford’s wife, Sibylle Szaggars?
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Sibylle Szaggars, the widow of late actor and director Robert Redford, is a German-born multimedia artist known for her environmentally inspired work. Born in Hamburg, she developed an artistic style that includes painting, performance, and installations.
Szaggars met Redford in 1996 at his Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. The couple maintained a long relationship before announcing their engagement in 2008. They married the following year in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. While the pair do not have children together, Szaggars is stepmother to Redford's children from his first marriage to historian Lola Van Wagenen.
Her artistic career includes the founding of The Way of the Rain, a nonprofit launched in 2015. The project combines visual art, performance, and environmental advocacy, aiming to raise awareness about climate change and the fragility of natural ecosystems. Redford has supported the organization, serving as vice president of its board.
Szaggars' work has been exhibited internationally, and she has collaborated with musicians, dancers, and other artists to create multimedia performances.
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:58 AM EDT
How Robert Redford founded Utah film festival named after his iconic movie character: Sundance
Robert Redford had just starred as the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, when he purchased land in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.
He named the property Sundance, after his famous character, which became both his home and a creative retreat for artists.
In 1981, Redford established the Sundance Institute at the site aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, and other artists outside the mainstream Hollywood system.
The Institute created workshops, labs, and mentorship programs designed to nurture independent voices in film.
In 1985, the Institute took over the management of the former Utah/US Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival was born.
Held annually in Park City, Utah, it grew into the most important showcase for independent cinema in the United States. It became a launchpad for films such as sex, lies, and videotape (1989), Reservoir Dogs (1992), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), and Get Out (2017).
Sundance, under Redford's role as figurehead and founder, has been credited with reshaping the landscape of American filmmaking by giving independent directors, writers, and actors a platform to reach global audiences.
Earlier this year, Sundance Film Festival announced it would be moving from Utah to Boulder, Colorado, with the first festival in Boulder scheduled for 2027.
Organizers cited Boulder's community, arts and technology scene, as well as its natural surroundings, that aligned with Robert Redford's original vision.
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:49 AM EDT
Redford revealed what attracted him to acting
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The legendary movie star and director revealed what attracted him to acting, in a 2019 interview with Collider.
"The idea of being an actor was to have a sense of freedom," Robert Redford told the outlet.
"You were free to be, to act as someone else, if you were paying attention to the people around you," he continued.
"You had a chance to be an artist, because acting is an art form. You had a chance to say, 'I know this person, I've seen this person before and I want to bring that forward.'"
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:45 AM EDT
Was Robert Redford married?
Robert Redford married his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, a historian and activist, in 1958.
The couple had four children together: Scott (who died in infancy), Shauna, David James "Jamie," and Amy.
The couple eventually divorced in 1985 after nearly three decades of marriage.
In 2009, Redford married his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born multimedia artist. They had been together for over a decade before marrying in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany.
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:40 AM EDT
What awards did Robert Redford win during his career?
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Academy Awards (Oscars)
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Best Director (1981) – Ordinary People
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Lifetime Achievement Award (2002) – For his contributions to film as an actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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Nominations:
- Best Actor – The Sting (1973)
- Best Picture (as producer) – Quiz Show (1994)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Director (1981) – Ordinary People
- Best New Star of the Year (1966) – Inside Daisy Clover
- Cecil B. DeMille Award (1994) – Lifetime achievement recognition.
- Nominee multiple times for acting, including The Way We Were, The Natural, and All Is Lost.
BAFTA Awards
- Best Actor Nominee (1969) – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Emmy Awards
- Nomination (1963) – Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role by an Actor for The Voice of Charlie Pont.
Film Festival & Industry Honors
- Sundance Film Festival Legacy – Though not a formal award, Redford's founding of the Sundance Institute (1981) and creation of the Sundance Film Festival are considered one of his most important legacies in film.
- Kennedy Center Honors (2005) – For his lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016) – Awarded by President Barack Obama for his contributions to the arts and environmental activism.
Other Major Awards
- Directors Guild of America Award (1980) – Outstanding Directorial Achievement for Ordinary People.
- Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (1995).
- Honorary César Award (2019) – France's national film award for lifetime achievement.
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:37 AM EDT
WATCH: Robert Redford dies aged 89
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:28 AM EDT
Robert Redford’s ten most iconic movies
1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
This film paired Redford with Paul Newman in the story of two outlaws on the run. Redford's role as the Sundance Kid made him a household name and established his lasting partnership with Newman.
2. The Sting (1973)
A stylish caper film that reunited Redford and Newman as con men in 1930s Chicago. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains one of Redford's defining roles.
3. All the President's Men (1976)
Redford starred as journalist Bob Woodward, alongside Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein, in the story of the Watergate scandal. The film became a cultural landmark for its portrayal of investigative journalism.
4. The Way We Were (1973)
A romantic drama co-starring Barbra Streisand, this film showcased Redford's versatility beyond thrillers and Westerns. It became one of the most popular love stories of the era.
5. The Great Gatsby (1974)
Redford took on the role of Jay Gatsby in the adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel. Although the film received mixed reviews, his performance solidified his reputation as a leading man.
6. Three Days of the Condor (1975)
A Cold War–era thriller in which Redford plays a CIA analyst caught in a web of conspiracy. The film reflected the political paranoia of the time and remains a classic of the genre.
7. Ordinary People (1980) – Director
Redford's directorial debut earned four Academy Awards, including Best Director for him and Best Picture. While he did not act in it, the film was pivotal in shaping his career behind the camera.
8. Out of Africa (1985)
Redford starred opposite Meryl Streep in this sweeping romantic drama, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His role as hunter and adventurer Denys Finch Hatton added to his legacy as a romantic lead.
9. The Natural (1984)
In this sports drama, Redford played baseball player Roy Hobbs, delivering one of the most iconic performances of his career. The film has since become a classic in the sports genre.
10. All Is Lost (2013)
Late in his career, Redford received acclaim for his nearly wordless performance as a sailor struggling to survive at sea. The role highlighted his endurance and skill as an actor well into his seventies.
Sep 16, 2025 at 08:26 AM EDT
IN PICTURES: Robert Redford throughout the decades
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Sep 16, 2025 at 08:21 AM EDT
Who was Robert Redford?
Robert Redford was a legendary American actor, director, producer, and environmental activist.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, he originally pursued a path in the arts, studying painting before turning to acting. He began his career in the late 1950s, appearing in stage productions and television before moving into film.
Redford's breakout role came in 1969 with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where he starred opposite Paul Newman. The film's success propelled him into stardom and marked the beginning of a prolific career in Hollywood.
During the 1970s, Redford became one of the industry's most bankable stars. He appeared in The Sting (1973), again with Newman, a film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He went on to portray journalist Bob Woodward in All the President's Men (1976), a dramatization of the Watergate investigation. Other notable films from this period include The Great Gatsby (1974) and Three Days of the Condor (1975).
Redford expanded his career into directing with Ordinary People (1980), which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. He continued to direct critically acclaimed films, such as A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994). In parallel, he remained active as a performer, with later roles including Out of Africa (1985), Sneakers (1992), and All Is Lost (2013).
In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, which launched the Sundance Film Festival. The festival has since grown into the leading showcase for independent cinema in the United States. Redford's work through Sundance has been credited with helping to elevate independent filmmaking and bring new voices to the industry.
Alongside his work in film, Redford has been a consistent advocate for environmental and political causes. He has campaigned on issues related to conservation, climate change, and social justice for decades.
In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting following his role in The Old Man & the Gun. His career, spanning more than 60 years, has left a lasting impact on both mainstream and independent cinema.
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