Robert Redford, the legendary actor and director who achieved unparalleled fame in Hollywood through iconic performances in classics like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “All the President’s Men,” passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 89 years old. Cindi Berger, his publicist, shared that he died peacefully at his home in the mountains of Utah, a place he cherished, surrounded by his loved ones. “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy,” she stated.
Redford was celebrated as a leading man in the late 1960s and 1970s, instantly recognizable for his windswept hair and beloved for his effortless charisma. However, his contributions extended far beyond acting. He was an accomplished filmmaker, a committed political activist, and a cultural entrepreneur. In 1980, Redford won the Best Director Oscar for “Ordinary People,” marking the beginning of his impactful journey behind the camera. Over six decades, he garnered two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, including the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in 1994.
Redford’s expansive spirit will undoubtedly live on through the Sundance Institute, a nonprofit organization he founded in 1981. The institute supports the Sundance Film Festival, held annually in Park City, Utah, which showcases unique projects and helps launch the careers of new artists. “I saw other stories out there that weren’t having a chance to be told and thought, ‘Well, maybe I can commit my energies to giving those people a chance,’” Redford reflected in a 2018 interview. “As I look back on it, I feel very good about that.”
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Charles Robert Redford Jr. grew up in a modest household. His father, Charles Robert Redford Sr., was a milkman turned oil company accountant, while his mother, Martha Hart, instilled in him a love for the arts. Despite being a poor student, Redford’s passion for acting and athletics led him to graduate from Van Nuys High School in 1954. He briefly attended the University of Colorado Boulder before traveling across Europe, soaking in the culture of France, Spain, and Italy. Eventually, he moved to New York City to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Redford made his Broadway debut in 1959 with the play “Tall Story” and gained recognition in popular television shows during the early 1960s, including “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Twilight Zone.” His breakout performance came in the original Broadway run of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” (1963), which propelled him into supporting film roles.
Redford’s career took a significant turn in 1969 with his role as the Sundance Kid in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” This film, featuring the dynamic duo of Redford and Paul Newman, became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Redford's status as a leading man. Following this success, he starred in several notable films including “The Candidate” (1972) and “Jeremiah Johnson” (1972), further establishing his reputation in Hollywood.
Throughout the 1970s, Redford continued to deliver memorable performances, most notably in “All the President’s Men” (1976), where he portrayed Bob Woodward in an adaptation of the Watergate scandal. The film was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Redford’s ability to blend entertainment with significant political themes. He not only starred in but also produced the project, further demonstrating his expansive influence in the film industry.
The 1980s marked a pivotal time in Redford’s career. His directorial debut, “Ordinary People,” was met with critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Although he acted in fewer films during this decade, he continued to direct and support independent cinema through the Sundance Institute, further solidifying his legacy in independent film.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Redford starred in successful films such as “Sneakers” (1992) and “Indecent Proposal” (1993). He also directed notable films like “A River Runs Through It” and “Quiz Show,” both of which received critical acclaim. In his later years, he took on challenging roles, including a standout performance in “All Is Lost” (2013) and appeared in Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019).
Robert Redford’s final performance as a gentlemanly bank robber in “The Old Man & the Gun” (2018) added a graceful note to his illustrious career. “I just figure that I’ve had a long career that I’m very pleased with,” Redford shared in 2018. “I figure now as I’m getting into my 80s, it’s maybe time to move toward retirement and spend more time with my wife and family.” He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and two children from his previous marriage to Lola Van Wagenen. Redford’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to film and culture will continue to inspire future generations.
