Mark Ruffalo honored Robert Redford following the passing of the iconic actor, director, and activist at age 89, sharing a heartfelt letter he had written to Redford. The tribute highlighted Redford’s profound influence on the film industry and beyond, showcasing why he remains a cherished American figure.
Ruffalo’s Personal Letter to Redford
Mark Ruffalo revealed a letter addressed to Robert Redford that he had composed upon hearing of Redford’s illness. In it, Ruffalo recalled organizing a special reading of All The President’s Men to raise funds for preserving a historic church and performing arts center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The event featured Woodward and Bernstein as special guests, followed by an insightful conversation about the making of the film.
Dear Robert, I helped organize a reading of ‘All The President’s Men’ which we read as a fund raiser to save a beautiful old church and performing arts center next to Barney Greengrass, The Center At the Westpark Church, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Woodward and Bernstein came as special guests and we did a long and fascinating conversation with them afterwards,
Ruffalo wrote.
Bob and Carl talked about you getting the film made. They talked about your insistence on the importance of their story and their relationship and how you fought for Robards to play Bradlee. It was a beautiful and thoughtful night and…
Alongside the letter, Ruffalo expressed why he shared the message so publicly. Reflecting on Redford’s legacy, he described him as a true embodiment of American heroism who united people, practiced empathy, and founded organizations that enriched many lives.
This was a letter I had written to Robert Redford when I learned he was ill. I didn’t get it to him before the news today. This is what a real American Hero looks like. A man who brought people together, lived and practiced empathy, and created good and useful organizations that made peoples lives better and included anyone who had an interest. Please remember him well,
said Ruffalo.
The Sundance Institute’s Reflection on Redford’s Legacy
In the 1980s, Robert Redford established the Sundance Institute after purchasing land in Utah, naming it after his famous character in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This nonprofit organization has become a vital platform to support independent filmmakers. Upon Redford’s death, Sundance issued a heartfelt statement honoring their founder’s vision.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity,
the statement read.
Redford’s Enduring Influence on Art and Activism
Robert Redford’s impact extended well beyond his roles on screen. As an activist and founder of the Sundance Institute, he fostered creative expression and advocated for social change. Mark Ruffalo’s tribute and the Sundance statement together underscore how Redford’s legacy continues to inspire artists and communities alike, promising to shape American cinema and activism for years to come.
The Sundance Institute said in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and… pic.twitter.com/PLgcwruOAa
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 16, 2025
