Robert Redford left behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood after his death in September 2025.
The actor and director shot to stardom in 1967, when he appeared alongside Jane Fonda in the Gene Saks-directed romantic comedy film, Barefoot in the Park. From there, he took on now-famous roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were and The Sting — a film that earned Redford his first and only Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category.
Redford later began directing, going on to win his first Oscar for his directorial debut with Ordinary People in 1980. His 1994 film Quiz Show also earned him a nod in the category, as well as a nomination for Best Picture.
Fans of Redford’s storied career were saddened to learn of his death at age 89 on September 16, 2025. He passed away at his home in Utah, according to a statement to The New York Times from his publicist Cindi Berger. His rep confirmed that Redford died in his sleep, although a specific cause was not provided.
Keep scrolling to see more about Redford’s Oscar wins and other awards:
How Many Oscars Has Robert Redford Won?
Redford was nominated for his first Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Johnny “Kelly” Hooker in The Sting in 1973, but the award ultimately went to Jack Lemmon, who played Harry Stoner in Save the Tiger.
However, Redford made his Oscars comeback in 1980, winning the award for Best Director for Ordinary People.
Redford’s 1994 film Quiz Show received two nominations — Best Picture and Best Director — but both awards went to Forrest Gump and the film’s director, Robert Zemeckis.
In 2002, Redford was the recipient of the Oscars’ Honorary Award for his lifetime of work.
“He’s always interesting. He’s always interested. He’s very smart, very private,” Barbara Streisand said while presenting the award at the 74th Academy Awards. “He’s self-assured, but shy, and I adored working with him. Robert Redford’s work as an actor, director and producer always represents the man himself, the intellectual, the artist, the cowboy.”
She continued, “He has a passion for telling stories that reflect the strengths and the vulnerabilities of the American spirit, our struggle to achieve what is highest in our nature, and though we don’t always succeed, Robert Redford films make certain that we celebrate the effort. Redford took charge of his own career from the very beginning, always working closely with writers. His work as an actor and as a director is always skillfully subtle, restrained and yet deeply emotional.”
What Other Awards Did Robert Redford Win?
In addition to his two Oscars, Redford won a BAFTA Award in 1970 for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here and Downhill Racer. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1995 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
Redford also won various Golden Globes throughout his career, including three Henrietta Awards for World Film Favorite – Actor in 1975, 1977 and 1978 and the Best Director award in 1980, among others.
Inside Robert Redford’s Most Notable Performances
Redford’s big break in film came when he played Paul Bratter in Barefoot in the Park in 1967. He later starred as the Sundance Kid in the Western Buddy film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969.
In 1973, Redford played Hubbell Gardiner in the romantic comedy The Way We Were. He then went on to play Joseph “Joe” Turner in the 1975 spy thriller Three Days of the Condor.
In 1976, Redford portrayed Bob Woodward in the political thriller All the President’s Men.
Redford’s famous roles in the ‘80s included Roy Hobbs in the 1984 sports drama The Natural and Denys Finch Hatton in the 1985 romantic drama Out of Africa.