Robert Redford Sundance Founder and renowned Hollywood figure Robert Redford has died at the age of 89. The respected actor and director passed away on September 16 at his home in Sundance, Utah, the place he cherished deeply.
Life and Career of a Hollywood Legend
Born in Santa Monica, California in 1936, Robert Redford began his acting journey during the late 1950s, performing in theatre productions and television shows in New York. He rose to significant fame in the 1960s with starring roles in films like Barefoot in the Park and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. His performance in 1973’s The Sting earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor alongside Paul Newman.
Throughout his career, Redford appeared in critically acclaimed films such as All the President’s Men, A Bridge Too Far, and Out of Africa. More recently, he expanded his filmography by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying Alexander Pierce in both Captain America: Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame.
In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting after releasing his final film, The Old Man & the Gun. Despite this, he occasionally returned to the screen in limited roles including narration and executive producing projects.
Accomplishments Behind the Camera and Support for Independent Film
Beyond acting, Robert Redford was an accomplished director. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for the 1980 film Ordinary People. He also directed films like The Conspirator in 2010 and The Company You Keep in 2012, underlining his versatility in the film industry.
Redford’s lasting legacy is also tied to his commitment to independent cinema. He founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival to champion emerging filmmakers and provide them with a platform. In recognition of his influence, he received an Academy Honorary Award in 2002, celebrated as an
“inspiration to independent and innovative filmmakers everywhere.”
Personal Life and Family
Robert Redford married historian and activist Lola Van Wagenen in 1958; the marriage ended in 1995. He later wed artist Sibylle Szaggars in 2009, who survives him. Together with Van Wagenen, Redford had four children: Scott, James, Shauna, and Amy. Tragically, Scott died at two months old from sudden infant death syndrome, and James passed away from cancer in 2020. Shauna is an artist, while Amy works as a film director.
Announcement and Legacy
Redford’s publicist, Cindi Berger, released a statement confirming his death:
“Robert Redford passed away on September 16th at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
– Cindi Berger, Publicist
Robert Redford’s contributions to the film industry as an actor, director, and supporter of independent cinema have left a profound impact. His establishment of the Sundance Film Festival has become a vital platform for filmmakers worldwide. As his legacy endures, the film community continues to honor his work and the inspiration he provided to artists everywhere.
