Actor, director, and advocate Robert Redford, a popular Hollywood leading figure and a significant proponent of independent cinema, has passed away at 89. His spokesperson Cindi Berger confirmed the news, mentioning that he died at his residence in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by loved ones in a place he cherished.
Redford utilized his wealth to establish the Sundance Institute and Festival in the 1970s, endorsing independent filmmaking long before it became trendy. Described as the “golden boy” by Sean P. Means, a former film critic for the Salt Lake Tribune, Redford seamlessly fit into various societal roles with his striking appearance in movies like The Great Gatsby, Out Of Africa, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford initially pursued a career in baseball but later shifted to art and drama, eventually venturing into acting. He gained recognition for his roles in movies like Barefoot in the Park and the classics Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. Despite never winning the best actor Oscar, his directorial debut in the film Ordinary People secured him accolades.
Apart from his acting career, Redford’s dedication to promoting independent filmmakers through the Sundance Institute and Festival shaped the cinema landscape. His environmental activism, including founding the Redford Center with his son James, showcased his commitment to climate causes and artistic expression.
Tributes poured in following his passing, with stars like Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman remembering his legacy. Redford’s impact on cinema, environmental advocacy, and societal discourse remains a lasting testament to his multifaceted contributions.