Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, has passed away at the age of 89. He died on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by his loved ones. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news, stating that he passed away in his sleep.

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Van Nuys. He attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship but lost it due to his partying habits. He later studied art in Europe and enrolled in drama school, initially intending to work in theatrical set design.

Redford's acting career began on the New York stage, with early roles in "Tall Story" and "Sunday in New York". His breakthrough came with Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" in 1963, where he played a newlywed husband. Simultaneously, he appeared on television shows like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone".

By the late 1960s, Redford had become a leading man, starring in films like "Barefoot in the Park" (1967), "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), and "The Sting" (1973). His partnership with Paul Newman in "Butch Cassidy" was iconic, and they reunited for "The Sting," which won seven Oscars. Redford's career spanned over 70 films, including "The Way We Were" (1973), "The Great Gatsby" (1974), "Three Days of the Condor" (1975), "All the President's Men" (1976), "The Natural" (1984), and "Out of Africa" (1985). He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for "The Sting".

In 1980, Redford made his directorial debut with "Ordinary People," winning Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. He continued to direct acclaimed films like "A River Runs Through It" (1992) and "Quiz Show" (1994).

Redford's most significant contribution to the film industry was the Sundance Institute, which he co-founded in 1981. The Sundance Film Festival, which grew out of the institute, became a platform for independent cinema, launching the careers of numerous filmmakers. Redford used his influence to nurture independent films and promote young filmmakers. The festival has showcased films such as "Reservoir Dogs," "The Blair Witch Project," and "Donnie Darko". In 1991, the festival was officially renamed the Sundance Film Festival, after Redford's character in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".

Redford was also known for his activism, championing environmentalism, Native American rights, and LGBT rights. He acquired a reputation as one of Hollywood's leading liberals and campaigned on environmental issues.

Redford received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Award for Best Director, an Honorary Academy Award in 2002, a BAFTA Award, five Golden Globe Awards, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and the Honorary César in 2019.

Redford was married twice, first to Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, with whom he had four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy. Scott died in infancy, and James passed away in 2020 due to bile-duct cancer. He married Sibylle Szaggars in 2009.

In his later years, Redford scaled back his filmmaking activities. His final substantial role was in the 2018 film "The Old Man & the Gun". While he hinted at retirement, he later clarified that he was not entirely sure what the future held.

Robert Redford's legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances and directing achievements. He was a champion of independent film and a voice for social and environmental causes. His influence on cinema and his dedication to nurturing new talent will be remembered for generations.