The Zoobly Editor 
Hollywood mourns the passing of one of its most iconic figures—Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. Redford died peacefully in his sleep at his home in the mountains of Utah on September 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 89.
A Career That Defined Generations
Redford’s career spanned over six decades, reshaping both mainstream and independent cinema. From his breakout role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) to his Oscar-winning directorial debut Ordinary People (1980), Redford was the rare artist who excelled both in front of and behind the camera.
His Most Iconic Roles:
- The Sting (1973) – Earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor
- All the President’s Men (1976) – A gripping portrayal of investigative journalism
- The Way We Were (1973) – A romantic classic opposite Barbra Streisand
- Out of Africa (1985) – A sweeping epic with Meryl Streep
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) – His final cameo as Secretary Alexander Pierce
The Sundance Legacy
In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, which evolved into the Sundance Film Festival—now the world’s premier platform for independent filmmakers. His vision gave rise to careers of auteurs like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Darren Aronofsky.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Redford was more than a movie star. He was an environmental activist, political advocate, and philanthropist. His lifelong commitment to progressive causes and conservation made him a cultural force beyond Hollywood.
Robert Redford wasn’t just a golden boy of Hollywood—he was its conscience, its rebel, and its storyteller. As the curtain falls on his extraordinary life, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists, dreamers, and disruptors.
Tributes Pour In
Celebrities across the globe paid heartfelt tributes. Jane Fonda said she “can’t stop crying,” while Meryl Streep called him “one of the lions” of cinema. Bollywood stars including Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor also honored his legacy on social media.
James Gunn delivered respect to the legend
Leonardo DiCaprio
“His impact will endure for generations—an actor, activist, and environmentalist.”
DiCaprio, a vocal climate advocate, praised Redford’s lifelong commitment to environmental causes.
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