Robert Redford, Iconic Actor-Director, Dies at 89
Robert Redford, one of the great figures of American cinema, has died at the age of 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed that Redford passed away on Tuesday at his home in Sundance, Utah, an area he cherished, surrounded by loved ones. His family has requested privacy.
Redford first rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s with a run of critically and commercially successful films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, and The Sting.
Over time, he expanded his contributions to the film world by becoming an Oscar-winning director and producer, and by co-founding the Sundance Film Festival, a platform that helped launch many influential independent films.
Born Charles Robert Redford in 1936, he was raised in Los Angeles. After leaving the University of Colorado, he studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His early career included roles on television and stage; he earned an Emmy nomination in 1962 and starred on Broadway in Barefoot in the Park.
His breakthrough film role came in 1965, starring in Inside Daisy Clover, followed by a series of hits and iconic roles.
In 1981, Redford directed Ordinary People, which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, prestigious honours he never achieved for acting.
He continued acting through the 80s and 90s, with memorable performances in The Natural, Out of Africa, Quiz Show, The Horse Whisperer, among others.
Redford also played a major role as an environmental advocate and stayed active in public life through such causes. His later years saw him reduce his acting workload, his final major film role being in The Old Man & the Gun in 2018.
Throughout his career, Redford received many honors: an honorary Oscar (2002), the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at Venice (2017), an honorary César (2019), and in the U.S., the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He is survived by his family.