Hollywood icon Robert Redford has died aged 89 as tributes have been pouring in for the Oscar-winning actor and director. He is said to have died early Tuesday morning alongside his loved ones.
Redford was at his home in Utah and a cause of death has not been shared. The actor, director, producer, and environmentalist is best known for his roles in classic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, and Out of Africa.
He won an Oscar for directing Ordinary People in 1980 and received an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar in 2002. Redford announced his retirement from acting in 2018, after starring in The Old Man & the Gun before making a cameo appearance in the TV show Dark Winds, on which he worked as an executive producer.
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Bedford's best films
He was one of the most recognisable names in Hollywood, having appeared in countless classic films. But here, we look at some of Robert's best films over the years.
Leonardo DiCaprio says 'we lost a legend'
“We have a film tonight that we’re premiering, that is a political thriller in a lot of ways, and he was the one that created the foundation for all that, with All The President’s Men, Three Days Of The Condor.
“But more so than anything, I’ve said it over and over again, he was an avid environmental advocate, was a member of the NRDC (Natural Resources Defence Council) like me, and he was a hero to a lot of people in our industry, including myself, so it’s a huge loss.”
PETA issue moving tribute
PETA's Sr Vice President, Lisa Lange, said: "Robert Redford was known for his remarkable screen presence, but PETA will always remember him for his staunch defence of animals and the environment. From using fake fish in his fishing-centric film A River Runs Through It to working to end horse slaughter to banning angora from his Sundance Holdings Group after PETA exposed how the angora industry torments rabbits, Redford used his influence to stand up for animals at every turn. His compassion for the Earth and for all who live on it has left a lasting legacy."
A look into Robert's life in the spotlight...
Robert's Sundance Institute pay tribute
Among Robert's huge achievements was founding the Sundance Institue, which is a non-profit that supports independent film makers. They host the annual Sundance Festival, which is believed to be the largest independent film festival in the US.
Following the sad news, they said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford.
"Bob's vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the US and around the world.
"Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process.
"We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the institute in perpetuity."
'It's not easy being Robert Redford'
Robert once candidly reflected on his life in the limelight, as he chose to stay away from Hollywood between projects. He bought land in Utah in the 70s and used it as a family retreat.
"People have been so busy relating to how I look, it's a miracle I didn't become a self-conscious blob of protoplasm," he told New York magazine.
"It's not easy being Robert Redford."
Robert died in a place he loved
The Hollywood star set up home and his Sundance Film Festival in Utah, having "fell in love with this place". Utah's govenor Spencer Cox shared: "He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity.
"Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world. Today we honour his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state."
Robert labelled a 'true American icon'
Former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has paid tribute to Robert on social media as she said she'd always admired him. She said: "I always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next.
"He championed progressive values like protecting the environment and access to the arts while creating opportunities for new generations of activists and filmmakers. A true American icon."
Tributes continue to pour in
Hollywood is reacting to news of Robert's death and stars are sharing their own tributes to the icon. Star Trek actor William Shatner said: "Condolences to the family of Robert Redford."
Colman Domingo thanked Robert for his "everlasting impact," which he says "will be felt for generations". Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also shared: "A LIFE! FAMILY. ART. TRANSFORMATION. ADVOCACY. CREATION. LEGACY."
Robert's social media accounts have been deleted
Robert's family have decided to delete his Instagram account following his death this morning. A statement on his official account reads: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Redford. In honour of his legacy, his Instagram account will be deleted."
Donald Trump says Robert was 'the hottest'
Donald Trump has spoken out following Robert's death. The actor had been critical of the president and said his first administration was a "monarchy in disguise".
When told the news of Robert's death at home surrounded by his loved ones, Trump said: "Well, it's a good way to go, I guess."
He added: "Robert Redford was great. He had a series of years where there was nobody better." Asked about his favourite film, Trump said: "You have a lot of them. He made seven or eight great films.
"There was a period when he was the hottest."
Meryl Streep pays touching tribute to late co-star Robert
Actress Meryl Streep, who starred in Out Of Africa and Lions For Lambs opposite Robert, said in a statement: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
Robert's off-screen tension with Barbara Streisand
One of Robert's most famous romantic roles was starring opposite Barbara Streisand in 1973's The Way We Were. While the pair were seen falling in love on screen, off screen the pair came to blows.
Director Sydney Pollack recalled Redford voicing his concerns over working with Barbara due to her perceived “controlling” reputation on set.
“She has never been tested,” Redford told Pollack. “Her reputation is as a very controlling person. She will direct herself. It’ll never work.”
He was also concerned about the Funny Girl star's musical background, saying, “She’s not going to sing, is she? I [don’t] want her to sing in the middle of the movie.”
The tension between the stars continued during production, with Redford wearing “two athletic supporters for his love scene with Streisand, who chose to don a bikini” to not get too close with the actress, who was known for being romantically involved with her co-stars.
Despite the tension, the movie went on to be a huge box office hit and was nominated for several awards.
Robert's iconic final appearance was just months ago
Robert's death comes just months after his return to the small screen after a six-year absence. The Sundance Kid made a cameo in the AMC / AMC+ show Dark Winds in March this year.
The late actor served as executive producer on Dark Winds, alongside George R. R. Martin, 76, the author behind the Game of Thrones novels, and both featured in cameos during the show's Season 3 premiere.
Redford and Martin appeared in the episode as prison inmates engaged in a game of chess. Martin's character defeated Redford's in checkmate, with assistance from the show's lead character, Navajo tribal police officer Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon).
According to Vulture, Redford and Martin's scene was filmed on a closed set at Redford's request. Read more here.
Robert awarded the highest honour in the US
In 2016, Robert was given the highest honour by President Barack Obama. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as Obama said Americans "admire Bob not just for his remarkable acting, but for having figured out what to do next".
The award is considered the US government's highest civilian honour.
'One of the all-time great movie stars'
Tributes have started to pour in for Robert, with broadcaster Piers Morgan branding him "one of the all-time great movie stars."
Actress Marlee Matlin, who starred in Academy Award-winning 2021 film CODA, said the film "came to the attention of everyone" because of Robert's Sundance Film Festival.
CODA won all three of the Oscars it was nominated for in 2022, including Best Picture. Marlee praised: "Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed."
Inside Robert's personal life - from two marriages to A-list romances
Robert's personal life was every bit as colourful as his characters on screen. He was twice married, first to Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 to 1985 and later married Sibylle Szaggars in 2009.
He has four children with Van Wagenen: the late Scott, Shauna, the late James, and Amy. He also had romantic relationships with other women, including actresses Sonia Braga and Lena Olin.
Official statement on Robert's death
Cindi Berger, chief executive and chairman of talent agency Rogers and Cowan PMK, said Robert Redford died on Tuesday September 16 at his home in Utah.
She said: “Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah–the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved.
“He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Change of careers
Robert branched into directing in his 40s, and went on to win an Academy Award for Ordinary People. It also won Redford three other Oscars, including best picture.
He also directed The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994). Quiz Show, which dramatised a notorious 1950s TV scandal, was nominated for four Oscars.
Inside Robert's illustrious film career
Regarded as one of the icons of the silver screen, Robert began his acting career on stage and television in the late 1950s and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before making his Broadway debut in the play Tall Story in 1959.
He went on to appear in several TV shows including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone, and Route 66. His breakthrough role came in Neil Simon’s Broadway hit Barefoot in the Park in 1963, which led to his film debut in War Hunt and meteoric rise to the top as one of Hollywood's most dashing leading men.
Robert Redford dies
Oscar-winning director and actor Robert Redford has died aged 89 at his home in Utah, “surrounded by those he loved”, his publicist Cindi Berger said.