Hollywood is reflecting on the extraordinary legacy of Robert Redford following reports that the legendary actor, director, and producer has passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Utah.
Redford, whose career spanned more than six decades, was celebrated for iconic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, and Out of Africa. Beyond his on-screen success, he was widely admired for reshaping American cinema through his commitment to meaningful storytelling and independent filmmaking.
Leonardo DiCaprio described the news as “a very sad day,” saying the film industry has “lost an absolute legend.” Speaking at a London premiere, DiCaprio highlighted Redford’s influence on political filmmaking and praised his lifelong environmental activism, calling him a personal hero.
Actor Benicio Del Toro paid tribute to Redford’s founding of the Sundance Institute, noting its lasting impact on independent film worldwide. The Sundance Film Festival became a launchpad for filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh, and introduced audiences to influential films including Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project, and Little Miss Sunshine.
Director Ron Howard described Redford as an “artistic gamechanger,” while Meryl Streep, who starred alongside him in Out of Africa, wrote simply, “One of the lions has passed.” Demi Moore added that his legacy will endure for generations.
According to a statement attributed to his publicist, Redford passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. His family has requested privacy during this time.