Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, died Sept. 16 at his home at Sundance, Utah, his representative confirmed. He was 89.
"Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved," the representative said in a statement, adding that the family requests privacy.
The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends and artists who credited Redford with reshaping American cinema and championing new voices. Meryl Streep, who teamed with Redford in films including Out of Africa, called him "one of the lions" and asked him to rest in peace, according to Deadline. Jane Fonda said the news hit her hard and called Redford "a beautiful person in every way," telling People she could not stop crying and praising his stand for an America people must continue to fight for.
Filmmakers and actors highlighted Redford’s influence both on screen and behind the camera. Ethan Hawke described him as an "ultimate champion of independent film" and a "fiercely passionate environmentalist," noting that Redford's founding of the Sundance Institute and Festival transformed the film landscape. Ron Howard called Redford an "artistic gamechanger" whose work as an actor, producer and director helped launch the American independent film movement.
Redford’s career spanned decades and genres. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s with roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Downhill Racer, won acclaim as an actor in works including Barefoot in the Park and Out of Africa, and directed Academy Award–nominated films including Ordinary People. He also produced and championed independent films, founding the Sundance Institute in 1981 and helping create a festival that became a launchpad for filmmakers worldwide.
Actors who worked with Redford recalled his kindness and mentorship. Elizabeth McGovern, who appeared in Ordinary People, said he gave her her first job and demonstrated a combination of intelligence, empathy and understanding as a filmmaker and person. Ralph Fiennes remembered Redford’s patience and "droll sense of humour" while working together on Quiz Show. Marlee Matlin pointed to Sundance as a gateway for films such as CODA, thanking Redford for creating that platform.
Other tributes highlighted Redford’s artistry and activism. Leonardo DiCaprio lauded him as an actor, activist and champion of the arts. Julianne Moore said he was the first movie star she ever loved. Mark Ruffalo described Redford as "what a real American Hero looks like," praising his empathy and the organizations he built to make others' lives better.
Performers also reflected on Redford’s lasting cultural impact. Demi Moore, Redford’s co-star in Indecent Proposal, shared memories of their time together and called his legacy enduring. Jamie Lee Curtis and Rita Wilson posted images and statements celebrating his life, while Colman Domingo and others noted the multigenerational reach of his influence.
Redford’s legacy as a filmmaker and festival founder was repeatedly tied to the opportunities Sundance provided to emerging artists. Octavia Spencer said Redford "leveled the playing field for new voices" and cited the careers of filmmakers whose work was amplified by Sundance. Ethan Hawke and others described Redford as a relentless advocate for authentic storytelling.
The reaction across the industry underscored Redford’s dual reputation as a leading man and a force behind the scenes who nurtured talent and elevated independent cinema. His body of work includes some of Hollywood’s best-known films and a festival that has become a major cultural institution.
Fox News’ entertainment newsletter covering Sept. 16 noted Redford’s death among its top stories and also highlighted other entertainment items that day, including Brooke Hogan’s reaction to being left out of her father Hulk Hogan’s will and recollections from a Golden Girls writer about the sitcom’s early seasons.
Representatives and members of Redford’s family asked for privacy as tributes continued to arrive from across the film community and beyond. No arrangements were announced at the time of the statement confirming his death.
Robert Redford’s contributions to film — as an actor who helped define a generation of screen performances, as a director and producer, and as the founder of an institution that has nurtured independent voices — drew widespread recognition. The tributes following his death reflected both personal connections and the broader cultural imprint of a career that influenced storytelling, activism and the development of new filmmakers.
Further details about memorials or a public service were not immediately available as family and representatives requested time and privacy.