Hollywood has lost one of its brightest stars. Robert Redford,

the Oscar-winning actor, director, and visionary founder of

the Sundance Film Festival, passed away at his mountain home

in Utah on September 16, 2025. He was 89. Known for his striking

screen presence and his relentless drive to reshape the film industry,

Redford leaves behind a legacy that stretched far beyond acting.

His death marks the closing chapter of a career that not only

entertained audiences for decades but also transformed how stories are told on screen.

Redford’s career was defined by iconic roles that became part of

American cinematic history. He charmed audiences as the legendary

outlaw in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), captured the

tension of political corruption in All the President’s Men (1976),

and starred in classics like The Sting, Out of Africa, Three Days

of the Condor, and The Way We Were. His ability to embody both

charm and quiet intensity made him one of the most versatile

actors of his time, admired by critics and beloved by audiences worldwide.

Yet Redford’s influence extended far beyond the silver screen.

In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute to support independent

filmmakers and give emerging voices a platform. Just three years later,

he turned a struggling Utah film festival into the world-renowned

Sundance Film Festival, a launchpad for groundbreaking films and

a space where bold, independent cinema could thrive. Through this work,

Redford changed the course of filmmaking, giving countless directors,

writers, and actors the chance to share their stories with the world.

Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowen PMK, confirmed that

Redford passed away peacefully in his sleep. While the exact cause

has not yet been revealed, tributes are pouring in from across the globe.

From Hollywood colleagues to aspiring filmmakers who found their

voice at Sundance, Redford’s impact is being remembered not only

in his unforgettable performances but in the opportunities he created

for generations to come. His life’s work stands as a reminder that

cinema is more than entertainment—it is a force that shapes culture,

inspires change, and endures long after the credits roll.