Robert Redford, the acclaimed Hollywood actor and director, has passed away at the age of 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed that he died at his home in the mountains of Utah, a place he cherished, surrounded by loved ones. The family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Redford's career spanned over six decades, during which he became a prominent figure in the film industry. He won two Academy Awards, including an honorary Oscar in 2002, and received three Golden Globe Awards, notably the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in 1994.
He gained fame with his breakout role in the 1967 film "Barefoot in the Park," alongside Jane Fonda. Redford solidified his status as a leading man with iconic performances in classics such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting." His directorial debut, "Ordinary People," released in 1980, earned him an Academy Award for Best Director, along with the Oscar for Best Picture.
In addition to his acting and directing accolades, Redford was a pioneer for independent cinema. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, aiming to nurture talent outside the traditional Hollywood framework. The Sundance Film Festival, named after his character in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," has become a significant event in the film industry, known for showcasing independent films and facilitating networking among filmmakers.
Redford is survived by his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and two children from his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen: Shauna Jean Redford and Amy Hart Redford. He and Van Wagenen experienced the tragic loss of two sons: Scott Anthony Redford, who died of sudden infant death syndrome in 1959, and David James Redford, who passed away from cancer in 2020.
Throughout his life, Redford maintained a commitment to environmental causes and often expressed his liberal views, particularly during politically charged times. He remained active in the film industry until the end of his life, with his last film appearance in the 2017 Netflix drama "Our Souls at Night," where he reunited with Fonda. Redford's legacy as a talented actor, director, and advocate for independent film will be remembered by many.