Hollywood is mourning the loss of legendary actor, director, and producer Robert Redford, who died at his home in Utah at the age of 89. Known for classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men, Redford leaves behind a legacy that reshaped American cinema. Leonardo DiCaprio called the news “a very sad day,” saying the industry has “lost an absolute legend.”
Speaking at a London premiere, he praised Redford’s influence on political filmmaking and highlighted his environmental activism, calling him a hero. Actor Benicio Del Toro honored Redford’s role in founding the Sundance Institute, which became a cornerstone of independent film.
The Sundance Film Festival helped launch the careers of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh, and introduced groundbreaking films such as Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project, and Little Miss Sunshine. Director Ron Howard described Redford as an “artistic gamechanger.”
Meryl Streep, who starred with him in Out of Africa, wrote simply, “One of the lions has passed.” Demi Moore added that his legacy will live on forever. In a statement, Redford’s publicist said he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. His family has requested privacy.