Film news: Hollywood legend Robert Redford dies, aged 89
Robert Redford, a titan of Hollywood cinema in front and behind the camera, has died aged 89.
He leaves behind a profound legacy, having starred in some of the most iconic films to come out of North America in the 20th Century.
Film News Blitz co-founder Dan Lawrence pays tribute.
Redford ‘will be missed greatly’
Redford’s publicist Cindi Berger revealed on Tuesday that he passed “at Sundance in the mountains of Utah - the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved”.
It’s understood his family has requested privacy at what is undoubtedly a sorrowful time.
Redford rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s as the star of critical, commercial and culturally powerful hit films.
From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Redford went from strength to strength, starring in the likes of Jeremiah Johnson (1972), The Way We Were (1973), The Sting (1973), The Great Gatsby (1974), Three Days of the Condor (1975) and All the President’s Men.
Alas, Redford’s imprint on films wouldn’t come from being a leading light in front of the camera alone.
His repertoire expanded to directing, earning him an Oscar for his directorial debut, 1981’s Ordinary People.
Redford was nominated for another Academy Award for his 1994 feature Quiz Show, and also left an indelible mark on Hollywood by co-founding the Sundance Film Festival.
An extensive list of producing credits combined with Redford’s acting/directing career, which continued into the 21st century.
Hollywood pays tribute to Redford
Redford’s profound impact on film and the sadness of his passing led to an outpouring of tributes from his peers.
Meryl Streep, who starred alongside Redford in Out of Africa, said, "One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend."
Marlee Matlin, who starred in 2022’s Coda, said, “Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance,” adding, “And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”
Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed Redford in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, shared, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the incomparable Robert Redford — a true legend whose acting and directing inspired us throughout our careers,” they wrote.
“His legacy will live on through his extraordinary films, his incredible performances, his tireless activism, and the profound influence that Sundance has had on the trajectory of the industry, and the lives of thousands of filmmakers.
“There are very few people who have impacted modern storytelling as significantly as Robert … and we are deeply grateful for our time with him.”
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, his daughters Shauna and Amy from his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen, and seven beloved grandchildren.
Redford and Van Wagenen also shared two sons who passed before him: Scott, who suffered sudden infant death syndrome in 1959, and James, a filmmaker and activist who died of cancer in 2020 at the age of 58.
A personal note
Redford was a star whose charisma pierced through the screen with an intense ferocity.
A commanding presence, his stardom shone throughout decades and decades of hits.
For me, watching J.C. Chandor’s 2013 film, All Is Lost, told me everything I ever needed to know about Redford.
For an hour and 45 minutes, watching Redford stranded, alone at sea, in a film with no dialogue, was so quietly captivating that his brilliance was unmistakable.
A legend has gone.
Rest in greatness, Robert.
