In the quiet mountains of Sundance, Utah—a place that became synonymous with independent spirit and creative freedom—a true icon has left us. Robert Redford, the visionary actor, director, and environmental champion, passed away peacefully at home on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Surrounded by loved ones, he slipped away in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of millions and reshaped the landscape of cinema and conservation.
As someone who has always admired those who forge their own paths, I find Redford’s life profoundly inspiring. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, he rose from humble beginnings to become the golden boy of Hollywood’s New Wave. His breakout role as the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) wasn’t just a performance—it was a spark that ignited a career of unforgettable characters, from the investigative journalist in All the President’s Men (1976) to the aging baseball player in The Natural (1984). But Redford was more than an actor; he was a storyteller who understood the power of narrative to drive change.
Behind the camera, his directorial debut Ordinary People (1980) earned him an Academy Award for Best Director, proving his gift for exploring the depths of human emotion with grace and authenticity. And then there’s Sundance—the film festival he founded in 1978, which grew from a small gathering into the epicenter of independent cinema, launching careers and amplifying voices that might otherwise have gone unheard. It’s no coincidence that his home in those Utah mountains became a haven for creativity; Redford embodied the pioneer spirit, always pushing boundaries.
Beyond the screen, Redford’s passion for the environment was unwavering. As a dedicated activist, he fought for conservation and climate action long before it was mainstream, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 from President Obama. His life reminds us that true legends use their platform not just for personal glory, but to lift others and protect what matters most—the planet we all share.
On a personal note, as a veteran and founder committed to empowering underrepresented innovators, I see echoes of Redford’s ethos in our work at Aether Synergy Holdings. He showed us that one person’s vision can create ripple effects, from Hollywood to the halls of power. Though he retired from acting in 2018 with The Old Man & the Gun, his influence never faded. Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and his daughters, Shauna Jean and Amy Hart. His family has requested privacy during this time, and we honor that.
Robert Redford wasn’t just a star—he was a guiding light. Rest in peace, Sundance Kid. Your legacy endures.
Robert Redford, the acclaimed American actor, director, producer, and environmental activist, died on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home at Sundance in the mountains outside Provo, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. No specific cause of death has been publicly disclosed at this time, though Redford had previously dealt with health issues, including liver disease in his family history. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news, stating, “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Background on Robert Redford
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford rose to fame as a Hollywood icon in the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for classic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), All the President’s Men (1976), and The Natural (1984). As a director, he won an Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People (1980) and received an honorary Oscar in 2002 for his contributions to cinema. He founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978, which became a cornerstone of independent cinema. Redford was also a dedicated environmentalist and activist, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 from President Barack Obama.
Redford retired from acting in 2018 after his final film, The Old Man & the Gun, but continued his work in directing and philanthropy. He was married to Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 to 1985, with whom he had four children; their son Scott died in infancy from sudden infant death syndrome in 1959, and their son James (a filmmaker) died of liver cancer in 2020 at age 58. Redford later married artist Sibylle Szaggars in 2009. He is survived by Szaggars and his daughters Shauna Jean Redford and Amy Hart Redford.
Public Reaction and Legacy
News of Redford’s death spread rapidly on social media, with tributes from fans, filmmakers, and celebrities emphasizing his charisma, environmental activism, and cinematic legacy. Posts described him as “a true legend” and highlighted films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Some older X posts referenced his son James’s death in 2020 or past retirement announcements, but recent ones confirm the actor’s passing.
Redford’s impact on independent film through Sundance and his environmental advocacy will likely be his enduring legacy.