Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, who has died at the age of 89.

Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowan PMK, confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that Redford passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his beloved Sundance home in the Utah mountains.

“Robert Redford passed away at his home at Sundance, the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy,” Berger said.

A Storied Career in Hollywood

Redford, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, gained fame for his roles in classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men.

In 1980, he made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, which won him the Academy Award for Best Director, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.

Beyond acting and directing, Redford made a lasting impact on global cinema by founding the Sundance Institute in 1981, which gave rise to the Sundance Film Festival, a world-renowned platform that continues to champion independent filmmakers.

Tributes from Stars and Fans

Tributes to Redford’s legacy have flooded social media:

• Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress, credited Redford and Sundance with amplifying her award-winning film CODA: “Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”
• William Shatner wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Condolences to the family of Robert Redford.”
• Colman Domingo honored his legacy, posting: “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
• Renowned author Stephen King shared: “Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.”
• Rosie O’Donnell expressed her sorrow on Instagram, writing: “Oh hubbell – we will never be the same – goodnight Bob – what a legacy #sundancefilmfestival #redford.”
• Piers Morgan called Redford “a true Hollywood legend,” adding: “RIP Robert Redford, 89. One of the all-time great movie stars. A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favourite films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, All The President’s Men. What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss.”

A Lasting Legacy

From shaping the golden era of Hollywood to empowering new generations of filmmakers through Sundance, Robert Redford’s influence on cinema will endure for decades to come.

As the world grieves, more tributes from fans and industry colleagues are expected in the coming days.