Remembering Robert Redford: Tributes pour in for the Hollywood icon
Robert Redford holds his honorarary Oscars with actress and singer Barbra Streisand.
Image: Mike Nelsin / AFP
Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic stars. Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and Sundance Film Festival founder, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Known for unforgettable performances in classics like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting”, and “All the President’s Men", Redford defined an era of cinema.
He wasn’t just a movie star; he was a filmmaker, environmentalist, and storyteller who helped shape American culture both on and off the screen.
Redford died at his home at Sundance in the Utah mountains, surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement, his family said, “Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah, the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Even politicians weighed in on his passing. US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, praised Redford as one of the greats.
“Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better. There was a period of time when he was the hottest. I thought he was great,” Trump said.
Tributes from fellow actors and collaborators have been pouring in.
Leonardo DiCaprio honoured the actor, describing him as a “champion of the arts” and highlighting his dedication to protecting the planet.
“His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come,” DiCaprio wrote.
Scarlett Johansson, who got her breakout role in Redford’s “The Horse Whisperer” at age 11, shared how formative the experience had been for her.
“Bob taught me what acting could be, and it was from his generosity and patience that I was inspired to pursue the possibilities of the craft,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
“Bob, thank you for your belief in me and for your grace and guidance. You inspired so many artists, me included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Jane Fonda, a longtime friend and co-star in films like “Barefoot in the Park” and “Our Souls at Night,” said she had been “unable to stop crying” since learning of his death.
“He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for,” she shared.
Barbra Streisand, who starred opposite Redford in “The Way We Were,” called him “one of the finest actors ever.”
She recalled their days on set as “exciting, intense and pure joy,” adding, “He was one of a kind and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
Author Stephen King has also reflected on the impact Redford had on the movie industry.
He wrote: "Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and excited Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89."