Robert Redford, Hollywood’s golden boy and Sundance legend, has died at 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed he passed in his sleep at home in Utah, “surrounded by those he loved.” Redford’s career took off alongside Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), and he kept the momentum with The Sting (1973), Three Days of the Condor (1975), and All the President’s Men (1976). He directed Ordinary People (1980), winning four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Beyond acting, Redford founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, changing indie film in America. Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, and other actors have already paid tribute to his enduring influence.
Morgan Freeman remembered Robert Redford as both a co-star and a friend
The two first worked together on Brubaker in 1980 and reunited for An Unfinished Life in 2005. Freeman wrote on Instagram, “There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend.”
Ethan Hawke honored Robert Redford
Hawke called him “our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalist.” In a statement to Variety, Hawke added, “Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival.” For Hawke, Redford’s influence went beyond acting, shaping how films are made, shared, and celebrated while championing causes that mattered to him.
Leonardo DiCaprio calls him a “champion of the arts”
In a statement to Variety, Leonardo DiCaprio called him “an actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts”. He added, “His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
Alec Baldwin says Redford wrote him a letter after Rust tragedy
Alec Baldwin shared a personal tribute to Robert Redford, calling him an acting great and recalling a letter he received from Redford after Baldwin’s trial over the accidental death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin wrote, “‘I’m so sorry for what you had to go through. I had the loveliest letter from Robert Redford.’”
Marisa Tomei remembers Robert Redford’s generocity
Marisa Tomei called Robert Redford “the Sundance Kid, waving one last time” in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. The My Cousin Vinny Oscar winner remembered Redford’s generosity early on, when Ms. Magazine was just starting out. “His PR office shared the same building,” she wrote, “he volunteered his gorgeous back for their Oct ’75 cover, knowing the attention would help.” Tomei added, “Always lending his weight to something bigger than himself. A legend in every sense.” Redford always made a point of showing up for the world, supporting causes and people without making it about him.
Joe Mantegna calls Redford a role model
Joe Mantegna reflected on sharing the screen with Robert Redford in Up Close and Personal (1996), calling him “a role model not just as an actor but as a human being.” The Three Amigos and The Godfather Part III actor posted on X, recalling the experience fondly. For Mantegna, working alongside Redford was a lesson in how to carry yourself on and off set, showing professionalism, generosity, and integrity.
Robert Rodriguez reflected on Robert Redford’s impact on his life and career
The From Dusk till Dawn and Spy Kids director wrote on X, “I grew up on Robert Redford films, he was the massive superstar of my youth. So to have El Mariachi accepted into his Sundance Film Festival — the most important and prestigious independent film festival in the world — remains one of the biggest highlights of my life. His sanctuary in Park City was like a dream: You fly in, meet Redford, present your film, and hope good things would follow. The greatest honor I’ve ever had and will ever have was being awarded at Sundance. Thank you, Mr. Redford. Your vision and independent spirit forever changed my life.”
Kiefer Sutherland calls him one of the kindest people
Kiefer Sutherland remembered Robert Redford on Instagram, calling him “one of the kindest people I’ve ever worked for.” He wrote, “My heart goes out to Robert Redford‘s family. He was a perfect example of the best we have to offer.”
James Woods honors Redford as a co-star and mentor
Reflecting on The Way We Were (1973), Woods wrote on X, “Like everyone else I was dazzled by Bob and Barbara. They were both terrific to me and I learned a lot from them both.” He remembered Redford hiding in his trailer to escape constant attention, and their conversations about theatre versus film acting, which left a lasting mark on his career. Years later, Redford attended a New York stage performance and personally wrote notes to the cast. Woods called him “an incredibly giving and lovely man” and thanked him for their time together.
Glenn Close remembered Robert Redford as “a great friend”
During a CNN interview, reflecting on their time together on The Natural (1984), she said she was still in “shock” and “denial” over his passing. Close added, “I learned a lot from him. He had the heart and soul of an artist, a true artist. He was always very authentic in his passions, which was Native Americans and their art, the environment, and the Sundance Institute.” After The Natural, Redford invited her to join the Sundance board, where she served for 16 years, witnessing him work every summer with emerging talent and new voices. Close emphasized Redford’s rare generosity in an industry often called selfish, noting how he put both money and life into what he believed in.
Rita Wilson remembers him as a pioneer
Rita Wilson honored Robert Redford on Instagram, reflecting on his influence in cinema and beyond. “Robert Redford. Your art stands the test of time. Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival. You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal,” she wrote.
Julianne Moore calls him “the first movie star that I ever loved”
Julianne Moore reflected on meeting Robert Redford, calling him “the first movie star that I ever loved.” On Instagram, she shared an old photo from Sundance, saying, “It was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence. #RIP Robert Redford We will all miss you.”
Ron Howard paid tribute to Robert Redford on X
Highlighting his influence on film and culture, Howard wrote, “RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger,” Howard wrote.
Edward Norton shared a passionate tribute to Robert Redford on Instagram
“Redford. I have to pause to celebrate and give thanks for this man as an artist and good human. It’s hard to overstate the inspiration he provided in so many dimensions and at so many phases of life,” Norton wrote. He grew up watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, Three Days of the Condor, Jeremiah Johnson, and Out of Africa. Norton also praised him for founding Sundance, “literally birthing modern American independent cinema”. He concluded with, “Redford Forever.”
Barbra Streisand remembers their last lunch together
Barbra Streisand spoke on working with Robert Redford in The Way We Were (1973), calling him “charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever.” On Instagram, she wrote, “Every day on the set… was exciting, intense and pure joy. We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.” Streisand remembered their last lunch together, exchanging art and thoughts on creativity, and praised Redford as “one of a kind”.
Meryl Streep remembers Robert Redford as a lion
Meryl Streep paid tribute to Robert Redford, recalling their time together on the 1985 film Out of Africa. She said, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend,” in a statement shared with AFP via her publicist, Ashton Fontana.
