Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, has died. The renowned actor reportedly passed away peacefully at his Utah home on Tuesday morning at the age of 89.
The news of his passing has since spread around the world and all over social media as tributes pour in from fans and other industry heavyweights. Fans remember him for his
Robert Redford Died Surrounded By Loves Ones
The death of Robert Redford was confirmed in a statement by Cindi Berger, CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK. Berger noted that at the time of his passing, Redford was surrounded by loved ones in the place he cherished most—the mountains outside Provo.
According to Berger, he died peacefully in his sleep. However, despite growing curiosity from fans and the general public, no specific cause of death was disclosed.
A part of the statement by Berger read:
“He was in the place he cherished, surrounded by the people he loved.”
Redford Was Born Into A Struggling Family
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, the actor endured early family hardships, including the loss of his mother as a teenager. His father was not rich and they had to do what they could at the time.
His father worked long shifts juggling jobs as both a milkman and an accountant, eventually moving the family to Van Nuys in search of better opportunities. Redford would later admit that he didn’t see his father much while growing up.
With no babysitter to look after him, young Redford often retreated to the children’s section of the local library. There, he discovered Greek and Roman mythology—stories that would spark a lifelong fascination with imagination and narrative.
Still, school was never his strong suit.
Redford would later say:
“I had no patience … I was not inspired. I wanted adventure. I wanted to push past the limits of the world I grew up in.”
Athletics and art quickly became his escape. In 1955, Redford earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado at Boulder.
He Lost His Mother When He Was 19
1955, the same year that Robert Redford earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado at Boulder, tragedy struck his home—his mother died before reaching the age of 40.
The loss shattered Redford. Talking about her later, Redford revealed that she was the one who really believed in him. Reflecting, he said:
“She was very young. She was the one who always believed in me, no matter what. My father wanted the safe path, the predictable life. My mother … she believed I could do anything.”
Her loss left him reeling. Redford began drinking heavily, lost his scholarship, and was eventually dismissed from the university. He later found work with Standard Oil, and went on to save what he could. He then made the decision to leave the United States and go to Europe in order to study art.
Things were not rosy during this time and Redford suffered a great deal. Reflecting on this period, Redford recalled:
“I lived hand to mouth, but I didn’t care. What mattered was the experience—the adventure of discovering other cultures.”
How Acting Began For Robert Redford
Upon returning to the U.S., Robert Redford promptly got enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. At first, because he was really reserved and introverted, he felt out of place among drama students who relished performing for attention. In fact, one disastrous classroom performance nearly ended his ambitions—until a teacher quietly pulled him aside and urged him to stay the course.
By 1959, Redford had graduated and landed his first television role on Perry Mason. From there, his career steadily climbed. His breakthrough came in 1963 when he starred on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, opposite Elizabeth Ashley—a part he would later reprise on screen with Jane Fonda.
That same year, he married historian Lola Van Wagenen. The couple endured heartbreak when their first son, Scott, died in infancy in 1959. They went on to welcome three more children: Shauna in 1960, David in 1962, and Amy in 1970.
In 1961, seeking a life closer to nature, Redford purchased two acres in Utah for $500. He built a small cabin by hand, retreating into the rugged landscape that would inspire much of his later work.
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Redford Had a Career That Redefined Hollywood
Redford rose to stardom in the late 1960s and quickly became a household name. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he sought out projects that carried cultural weight, refusing to accept Hollywood’s formulaic approach. His performances often explored complex themes of grief, morality, and political corruption, giving American audiences stories that resonated far beyond the screen.
As an actor, Redford delivered unforgettable performances in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), “The Sting” (1973), and “All the President’s Men” (1976). He captivated audiences in thrillers like “Three Days of the Condor” (1975) and charmed millions in romantic dramas including “The Way We Were” (1973) with Barbra Streisand and “Out of Africa” (1985) alongside Meryl Streep. His talent and magnetism earned him recognition as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men.
Robert Redford’s last acting roles included “Our Souls at Night” (2017) with Jane Fonda and “The Old Man and the Gun” (2018), after which he formally announced his retirement from acting. Even as his career drew to a close, his influence on cinema—both mainstream and independent—remained profound.
How He Became an Acclaimed Director and Storyteller
Robert Redford transitioned into directing in the 1980s, immediately earning critical acclaim with his debut, “Ordinary People” (1980), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and secured Redford an Oscar for Best Director.
He went on to direct acclaimed works such as “A River Runs Through It” (1992) and “Quiz Show” (1994), cementing his reputation as a filmmaker dedicated to thoughtful, meaningful storytelling.
Robert Redford Founded the Sundance Institute
Perhaps Redford’s greatest cultural contribution was his dedication to independent cinema. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, followed by his revitalization of the struggling Utah-based film festival that later became the globally renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Sundance grew into a powerhouse platform for emerging filmmakers, helping launch the careers of Quentin Tarantino, Ryan Coogler, Steven Soderbergh, Chloé Zhao, and many others. The festival became a cornerstone of independent film and documentary storytelling, influencing generations of creators.
He Was an Advocate for the Environment
Beyond film, Robert Redford was deeply committed to environmental advocacy. For decades, he worked with organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and campaigned against destructive development projects in Utah.
Though he disliked the label of “activist,” Redford’s consistent efforts to protect natural landscapes helped inspire later generations of eco-conscious actors and filmmakers, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo.
Robert Redford Was Married Twice
During his lifetime, Robert Redford was married twice. His first marriage was to Lola Van Wagenen, whom he wedded in 1958. Together they raised four children: Shauna, Amy, David James (Jamie), and Scott, who tragically died in infancy.
The couple divorced in 1985. In 2009, Redford married his second wife, a German artist called Sibylle Szaggars, with whom he shared his later years in Utah.
His family life was marked by both joy and tragedy. His son Jamie underwent two liver transplants before passing away in 2020, while his daughter Shauna survived a serious car accident years earlier. Despite personal hardships, Redford remained devoted to his family and his craft until the very end.
From his golden-era performances to his groundbreaking contributions as a director, activist, and festival founder, Robert Redford leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the film industry.
