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Robert Redford, the beloved Oscar-winning actor and director has died at the age of 89.
His death was announced in a statement to the New York Times by Cindi Berger, the chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK.
She said he died in his sleep at his home in Utah, without detailing the cause of death.
What To Know
Redford was an acting and directing giant, whose roles in films such as The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Out of Africa are loved the world over.
He won the Oscar for Best Director for Ordinary People in 1981.
Redford was also an outspoken advocate for environmental and political causes, and campaigned on conservation, climate change, and social justice for decades.
In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting following his role in The Old Man & the Gun.
This is a breaking news story—more to follow.
08:37 AM EDT
WATCH: Robert Redford dies aged 89
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Robert Redford’s ten most iconic movies
1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
This film paired Redford with Paul Newman in the story of two outlaws on the run. Redford’s role as the Sundance Kid made him a household name and established his lasting partnership with Newman.
2. The Sting (1973)
A stylish caper film that reunited Redford and Newman as con men in 1930s Chicago. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains one of Redford’s defining roles.
3. All the President’s Men (1976)
Redford starred as journalist Bob Woodward, alongside Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein, in the story of the Watergate scandal. The film became a cultural landmark for its portrayal of investigative journalism.
4. The Way We Were (1973)
A romantic drama co-starring Barbra Streisand, this film showcased Redford’s versatility beyond thrillers and Westerns. It became one of the most popular love stories of the era.
5. The Great Gatsby (1974)
Redford took on the role of Jay Gatsby in the adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Although the film received mixed reviews, his performance solidified his reputation as a leading man.
6. Three Days of the Condor (1975)
A Cold War–era thriller in which Redford plays a CIA analyst caught in a web of conspiracy. The film reflected the political paranoia of the time and remains a classic of the genre.
7. Ordinary People (1980) – Director
Redford’s directorial debut earned four Academy Awards, including Best Director for him and Best Picture. While he did not act in it, the film was pivotal in shaping his career behind the camera.
8. Out of Africa (1985)
Redford starred opposite Meryl Streep in this sweeping romantic drama, which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His role as hunter and adventurer Denys Finch Hatton added to his legacy as a romantic lead.
9. The Natural (1984)
In this sports drama, Redford played baseball player Roy Hobbs, delivering one of the most iconic performances of his career. The film has since become a classic in the sports genre.
10. All Is Lost (2013)
Late in his career, Redford received acclaim for his nearly wordless performance as a sailor struggling to survive at sea. The role highlighted his endurance and skill as an actor well into his seventies.
08:26 AM EDT
IN PICTURES: Robert Redford throughout the decades
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Who was Robert Redford?
Robert Redford was a legendary American actor, director, producer, and environmental activist.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, he originally pursued a path in the arts, studying painting before turning to acting. He began his career in the late 1950s, appearing in stage productions and television before moving into film.
Redford’s breakout role came in 1969 with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where he starred opposite Paul Newman. The film’s success propelled him into stardom and marked the beginning of a prolific career in Hollywood.
During the 1970s, Redford became one of the industry’s most bankable stars. He appeared in The Sting (1973), again with Newman, a film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He went on to portray journalist Bob Woodward in All the President’s Men (1976), a dramatization of the Watergate investigation. Other notable films from this period include The Great Gatsby (1974) and Three Days of the Condor (1975).
Redford expanded his career into directing with Ordinary People (1980), which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. He continued to direct critically acclaimed films, such as A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994). In parallel, he remained active as a performer, with later roles including Out of Africa (1985), Sneakers (1992), and All Is Lost (2013).
In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, which launched the Sundance Film Festival. The festival has since grown into the leading showcase for independent cinema in the United States. Redford’s work through Sundance has been credited with helping to elevate independent filmmaking and bring new voices to the industry.
Alongside his work in film, Redford has been a consistent advocate for environmental and political causes. He has campaigned on issues related to conservation, climate change, and social justice for decades.
In 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting following his role in The Old Man & the Gun. His career, spanning more than 60 years, has left a lasting impact on both mainstream and independent cinema.