Robert Redford, the acclaimed actor and director, passed away at his home in Utah on Tuesday at the age of 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Redford was a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for his roles in classic films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," and "All the President's Men." He gained fame in the 1960s and became one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. His performance in "Ordinary People" earned him an Academy Award for Best Director in 1981, a film that also won Best Picture.

Throughout his career, Redford was recognized not only for his acting but also for his commitment to independent cinema. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, which became a vital platform for emerging filmmakers. The Sundance Film Festival, held annually in Park City, Utah, has launched the careers of many notable directors, including Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh.

Redford's early life began in Santa Monica, California, where he was born on August 18, 1936. He initially pursued a career in art before transitioning to acting. He attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship and later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His breakthrough role came in the Broadway production of "Barefoot in the Park," which he reprised in the film adaptation.

His collaboration with Paul Newman in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" solidified his status as a leading man. The film was a massive success and led to further hits, including "The Way We Were" and "Jeremiah Johnson."

In addition to his film career, Redford was an environmental advocate. He lobbied for legislation such as the Clean Air Act and was involved in land conservation efforts in Utah. His passion for the environment was reflected in his films, including "A River Runs Through It."

Redford was married twice and had four children, two of whom have passed away. He often expressed gratitude for his long career and the impact he made in the film industry. In a 2018 interview, he mentioned, "I just figure that I’ve had a long career that I’m very pleased with. It’s been so long, ever since I was 21."

His legacy as a filmmaker and advocate for independent cinema will be remembered for generations. Redford's influence on the film industry and his commitment to social issues have left an indelible mark.