Hollywood has lost one of its brightest stars. Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and visionary founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away at his mountain home in Utah on September 16, 2025. He was 89. Known for his striking screen presence and his relentless drive to reshape the film industry, Redford leaves behind a legacy that stretched far beyond acting. His death marks the closing chapter of a career that not only entertained audiences for decades but also transformed how stories are told on screen.
Redford’s career was defined by iconic roles that became part of American cinematic history. He charmed audiences as the legendary outlaw in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), captured the tension of political corruption in All the President’s Men (1976), and starred in classics like The Sting, Out of Africa, Three Days of the Condor, and The Way We Were. His ability to embody both charm and quiet intensity made him one of the most versatile actors of his time, admired by critics and beloved by audiences worldwide.
Yet Redford’s influence extended far beyond the silver screen. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers and give emerging voices a platform. Just three years later, he turned a struggling Utah film festival into the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival, a launchpad for groundbreaking films and a space where bold, independent cinema could thrive. Through this work, Redford changed the course of filmmaking, giving countless directors, writers, and actors the chance to share their stories with the world.
Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowen PMK, confirmed that Redford passed away peacefully in his sleep. While the exact cause has not yet been revealed, tributes are pouring in from across the globe. From Hollywood colleagues to aspiring filmmakers who found their voice at Sundance, Redford’s impact is being remembered not only in his unforgettable performances but in the opportunities he created for generations to come. His life’s work stands as a reminder that cinema is more than entertainment—it is a force that shapes culture, inspires change, and endures long after the credits roll.