Hollywood legend Robert Redford died on Sept. 16 at his Sundance home in Utah, with his family by his side. He was 89.
Redford's spokesperson said, "Robert Redford died peacefully on Sept. 16 at his Sundance home in Utah with loved ones by his side," and added, "Many will miss him. Please respect the family's privacy."
The New York Times reported that Redford passed away in his sleep, but the exact cause of death was not disclosed.
Redford's last official appearance was at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation awards ceremony in Monaco in 2021. At the time he appeared in a white suit with his wife Sibil Zagars, again expressing his commitment to environmental conservation. Redford was also respected for his lifelong dedication to the environment, indigenous peoples and the arts.
In 2005 he founded the nonprofit The Redford Center with his late son James Redford to produce environmental films and take a leading role in environmental activism.
Redford had four children with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, 86. His son Scott died at 2 months old, and his son James died of liver cancer in 2020. He is survived by two daughters, Shauna, 64, and Amy, 54, and seven grandchildren.
Redford made his debut on Broadway in 1959 in Tall Story and expanded into film the following year. He became a global star with 1969's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and was loved for films such as The Sting, Ordinary People and Indecent Proposal. As a director he won the Academy Award for directing for Ordinary People and continued a multifaceted career.
He announced his retirement in 2018 but continued to take occasional roles. In March of this year he made a surprise cameo in the drama Dark Winds, delighting fans.
News of Redford's death prompted fans around the world to post messages of mourning and tribute such as "He was a dignified actor to the end," "His legacy as an environmental activist is admirable," and "I can't imagine the Sundance Film Festival without Redford."
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