Robert Redford, the award-winning actor, director, and co-founder of the Sundance Institute and Festival, has died at the age of 89. He passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah, according to a statement from his publicist. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Redford built a 50-plus year career filled with iconic film roles such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. In 1980, he won the Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People, and the film also earned Best Picture. Beyond acting, his deep passion for independent film and filmmaking was embodied by his establishment of the Sundance Film Festival, which has become one of the premier platforms for emerging filmmakers.
Outside his artistic achievements, Redford was known for his lifelong connection to Utah. He made Sundance his home, describing it as a place he loved. His passing marks the end of a towering career in cinema, directing, environmental activism, and the championing of independent voices. He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, his children, and a legacy that has shaped American film and arts culture.