Hollywood Icon Robert Redford Passes Away at 89

Robert Redford, the celebrated actor and director known for iconic roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, has passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by Cindi Berger, chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK. According to reports from The New York Times, Redford died peacefully in his sleep in the mountains outside Provo, Utah, though the specific cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford moved to New York City in the 1950s with aspirations of becoming a painter. However, he found his calling in acting, which eventually led to a prolific career spanning over six decades. Redford’s breakout role came in 1967 when he starred alongside Jane Fonda in the romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park.

Legendary Roles and Awards

Redford’s portrayal of the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) solidified his status as a Hollywood legend. The film, which featured Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy, became one of the most acclaimed buddy films in cinema history. Four years later, Redford starred in The Sting, a film that earned him his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, though he lost to Jack Lemmon for his performance in Save the Tiger.

Throughout his career, Redford showcased his versatility in various genres. He played a young politician in The Candidate (1972) and an investigative journalist in the Watergate thriller All the President’s Men (1976). In 1980, he made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, with Redford taking home the Best Director prize.

Redford continued to direct and produce films, working with an array of A-list actors including Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, and Matt Damon. His final film appearance was in The Old Man and The Gun (2018), where he played the real-life character Forrest Tucker, a notorious career criminal.

Activism and Legacy

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Redford was a passionate activist, particularly for environmental causes. He served on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council and founded the Sundance Film Festival, which celebrates independent filmmakers. His commitment to environmental advocacy stemmed from a pivotal moment in 1989, when he attended a conference where scientists discussed the urgent realities of global warming.

Redford’s personal life included a marriage to Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, with whom he had four children. They divorced in 1985. In the 1990s, he met Sibylle Szaggars, who became his second wife in 2009. He is survived by Szaggars, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Throughout his illustrious career, Redford remained a beloved figure in Hollywood. He was honored with the Academy Honorary Award in 2002 for his contributions as an actor, director, and producer. His legacy is marked by his talent, charm, and commitment to both the film industry and the environment.

His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and actors.