Leonardo DiCaprio, Ron Howard and Meryl Streep lead the tributes to Hollywood icon Robert Redford
Tributes have poured in for the Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who has died at the age of 89.
The actor, who co-founded the Sundance Film Festival, died in his sleep at his home in the mountains of Utah during the early hours of September 16th. No cause of death has been provided.
His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news in a statement that said the actor passed away earlier on September 16th “at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved.” She added that he will be “missed greatly”, while requesting privacy for his family.
Redford was a prolific presence in Hollywood both in front of and behind the screen, first shooting to fame for his roles in The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. However, it was only later that he truly became recognised in the Hollywood echelons, when he won an Oscar as a director.
His directorial debut in 1980, Ordinary People, catapulted him into the limelight of filmmakers after the movie was the recipient of four Academy Awards, including for ‘Best Picture’.
Later in life, Redford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, on account of his services to film and environmental campaigning. Part of his citation for the honour read: “Robert Redford has captivated audiences from both sides of the camera through entertaining motion pictures that often explored vital social, political, and historical themes.”
As the tributes began to pour in, American actor Marlee Matlin wrote on X: “Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”
Leonardo DiCaprio has since written on Instagram: “Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts. His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
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Author Stephen King also paid tribute on the platform, writing, “Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.”
Similarly, Canadian actor William Shatner also paid tribute, sharing,”Condolences to the family of Robert Redford.”
Barbra Streisand, his co-star in The Way We Were, lovingly remembered working with Reford, writing on Instagram alongside a picture of them together, “Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy. We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.”
Streisand continued, “Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever. The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings. He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
CNN anchor Jake Tapper also joined the line of tributes by saying “RIP Robert Redford”, while also sharing a meme clip of the actor’s trademark blonde hair being touched.
Meanwhile, the actor Colman Domingo also wrote: “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
Kenneth Cole, the prolific New York fashion designer, also paid tribute to the Hollywood legend on X by saying: “Stunned by the loss of Robert Redford — a colleague, a visionary friend, an idol, and a legendary artist. He created @sundanceorg, where countless artists found their voice and audiences found their stories. His legacy has inspired me and so many other for decades and will live on in all of us. Thank you, Bob. RIP.”
Another touching tribute came from the author Marianne Williamson, who said: “Few people did more in their lifetime to contribute to American society than Robert Redford. In areas ranging from film to environmentalism to politics, he used his enormous power to help create a better world. May he rest in unending bliss.”
Someone who was able to speak to Redford many times over the course of his career, British journalist Piers Morgan, also paid tribute by posting a video of a previous interview he had done with the actor, which he captioned: “When I had the privilege of interviewing Robert Redford, I asked him to name his favourite of his own movies.. this was his answer,” before showing the clip where Redford said his top film was Butch Cassidy, as he “had so much fun.”
A major Hollywood stalwart also paid tribute in the form of Ron Howard, as he shared a picture of Redford on X with the caption: “#RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger.”
Additionally, actor Jamie Lee Curtis also honoured Redford via Instagram, listing his qualities as a person and film legend by saying: “A LIFE! FAMILY• ART• TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY• CREATION• LEGACY. Thank you Robert Redford.”
Elsewhere, actor and director Benny Safdie paid his own more muted tribute to Redford by simply posting a picture of the late star on Instagram.
Meryl Streep, who starred in the movies Out of Africa and Lions for Lambs opposite Redford, released a statement in light of the news, which said: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
Furthermore, the English sitcom actor James Dreyfus wrote on X: “RIP Robert Redford. Terrific actor, brilliant director. Truly legendary,” while sharing a picture of the poster for Ordinary People.
Former US First Lady Hillary Clinton also paid tribute on Instagram, writing: “I always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next,” noting that he was “a true American icon” who fought for environmental causes.
The British Film Academy, Bafta, which decorated Redford many times throughout his career with various awards, also released a statement: “We’re saddened to learn that Robert Redford has passed away, aged 89. A much-loved actor turned director, Redford won a BAFTA in 1971 for his acting in Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here and Downhill Racer. He received a further nomination for his work on Quiz Show in 1995.”
Classic Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman also took to X to pay tribute, writing: “There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend.”
In a similar vein, Spanish icon Antonio Banderas also honoured Redford’s life and work in a message posted both in English and his native language, which said: “Robert Redford leaves us, an icon of cinema in every sense. Actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Festival. His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory. RIP.”
US President Donald Trump has also been asked about his thoughts on Redford, to which he responded: “Well, it’s a good way to go, I guess,” in response to the fact that he passed away peacefully and surrounded by family. “He had a series of years where there was nobody better,” Trump added, noting that he made “seven or eight great films” and “There was a period when he was the hottest.” For context, Redford was a vocal critic of Trump and his administration.
However, away from the Hollywood spotlight, Redford was also an active humanitarian for many causes, not least in the sphere of environmental activism. In this spirit, UNESCO has also paid tribute to him, saying: “We honour Robert Redford’s legacy as actor, director & environmental activist. He reminded us that we all have the agency to shape a future where we are part of nature — and to embody #SharingHumanity in all we do.”
The head of DC Studios, James Gunn, has also shared his own special tribute to the filmmaker, where he noted his top ten favourite films that Redford ever starred in. He said: “I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace. He was THE movie star, and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Robert. If you want to watch a Redford movie that isn’t The Sting or Butch Cassidy, here are ten I love: Three Days of the Condor, All the President’s Men, The Natural, All Is Lost, Ordinary People, Brubaker, Jeremiah Johnson, Barefoot in the Park, Captain America Winter Soldier, The Candidate.”
Redford will be remembered as one of the most visionary forces in all of Hollywood. He not only lit up the screen as a classic actor and filmmaker, but his devotion to championing the independent cause of cinema, namely through the Sundance Film Festival, has left an indelible imprint on the industry and will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, two of his four children, and seven grandchildren, while the rest of Hollywood mourns one of its brightest stars.
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