American actor, director, and producer Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at age 89, at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Sundance, Utah. Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and his daughters Amy Redford and Shauna Redford.
Redford was born on August 18, 1936, and raised in Santa Monica, California. He was the only child of his parents, Charles Robert Redford Sr. and Martha Woodruff Redford. Redford attended and graduated from Van Nuys High School high school in 1954, and went on to study at the University of Colorado. After a year and a half, Redford began drinking heavily, resulting in expulsion from the university. Subsequently, he went on to travel Europe, visiting countries such as Spain, France and Italy. Upon his return, he attended Pratt Institute and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Redford’s career began in the 60’s where he landed a role in the rom-com, Tall Story. From there, his career took off. He starred in hit films and series including Barefoot in the Park (1967), Butch Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid (1969). He acted in a variety of different genres, including romantic comedies, action movies, political films, sports films and western films.
Redford won an Academy Award in 1980 for his role in directing the drama film Ordinary People. Other renowned films he’s directed include A River Runs Through It (1992) and The Horse Whisperer (1998).
In 1891, Redford established the Sundance Institute. In 1985, the Sundance Institute took over the Sundance Film Festival. This annual festival presents films and actors with awards, and serves as an event to help inspire and launch aspiring filmmakers.
Continuing into his 80’s, Redford made cameos in other popular films, such as Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). The last film he played the leading role in was The Old Man & the Gun (2018).
Aside from acting, Redford was an activist for the environment. Seen through his participation on the board of the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council. Additionally, he fought against the development of power plants in Utah, and actively supported the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Redford lived a long, accomplished life, and will forever be remembered for his unforgettable contributions to film, and environmental activism. His charming smile touched many throughout his lifetime, and he will be missed by his fans.
