Introduction to a Hollywood Legend
Robert Redford, the Oscar winner and actor, died at the age of 89. He died "in his house in Sundance in the mountains of Utah, the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved," according to his publicist Cindi Berger. Redford rose to fame in films such as "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" and "All The President’s Men," which emphasized his star power and influence on American culture and politics.
Sundance Kid becomes Indie Champion
Redford was born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, and was always shaped by his independent spirit. His fame and success never made him a part of the traditional Hollywood party scene. Instead, Redford focused on making his own way by deliberately choosing roles that had meaning for him, as well as the directors with whom he worked. As a result, he became one of the most bankable men in Hollywood and a beloved global icon for over 50 years.
A Career Spanning Decades
Redford was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s with films such as "The Candidate," "All the President’s Men," and "The Way We Were." He completed the decade with the best director Oscar for "Ordinary People" in the 1980s, which also won the best picture in the same year. His roles were diverse, ranging from Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward to a miner in "Jeremiah Johnson" and a double agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Environmental Advocate and Indie Film Supporter
Redford used the money from his acting to support the Sundance Institute for prospective independent filmmakers, from which the renowned annual film festival gets its name. "The industry was pretty well controlled by the mainstream, in which I took part. But I saw other stories out there that had no chance of being told, and I thought: ‘Well, maybe I can obligate my energies to give these people a chance.’" Redford also became a committed environmental activist, working to preserve the natural landscape and resources of Utah, where he lived.
Tributes to Redford
Actor Marlee Matlin was one of the first to pay Redford tribute, explaining that her Oscar-winning film "Coda" would never have received attention without the Sundance Festival. "Our film, Coda, became aware of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed," she wrote. Meryl Streep, who played alongside Redford in "Out of Africa," said, "One of the lions has passed. Quiet in peace, my dear friend." Superman director James Gunn also paid tribute, saying he grew up with Redford’s films and that "he was the film star and will be missing."
Legacy and Impact
Redford, a committed environmental activist, was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US President Barack Obama in 2016. Obama said that Redford was admired not only for his acting but also for "figuring out what to do next." Redford supported Obama’s re-election for a second term despite some reservations about the former president’s environmental policy. Although he never showed interest in entering politics, Redford often represented a liberal point of view. He leaves behind his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and two daughters.
