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Robert Redford dies aged 89 — Barbra Streisand, Jane Fonda lead tributes


Robert Redford known for his roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid actor passed away at his home in Utah on September 16


Robert Redford attends the Red Carpet Arrivals - Cesar Film Awards 2019 at Salle Pleyel on February 22, 2019 in Paris, France.© Getty Images
HELLO!
Hannah HargraveUS Deputy Editor
Faye JamesSenior Editor
Updated: September 17, 2025
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Robert Redford has died at the age of 89. The legendary Oscar-winning director, actor and environment activist died at his home in Utah on September 16, according to the The New York Times. Robert died in his sleep and no specific cause of death was provided. The chief executive of publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK, confirmed his passing with a statement. He was living in the mountains outside of Provo at the time of his death.

Robert Redford wearing a sweater with the letter "W" on the front and a wide, white collar. ca. 1960's© Getty Images
Icon of the screen Robert Redford has died aged 89

She said Robert died "in the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved." His family request privacy during this difficult time. "He will be missed greatly," Cindy added. The star forged one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in modern American culture. He was not only known for his phenomenal acting but also for founding the influential Sundance Institute which led to the Sundance Film Festival.

Robert Redford, winner of Best Director for "Ordinary People" Oscars 1981© Getty
Robert Redford, winner of Best Director for "Ordinary People" Oscars 1981

He ascended to superstardom in the 1960s and 1970s and became a box office titan with a series of iconic roles such as the roguish Sundance Kid opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and the stylish grifter in The Stin

Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand on the set of The Way We Were directed by Sydney Pollack, 1973© Getty Images
Robert with his co-star and friend Barbra Streisand

Robert announced his retirement from acting in 2018 with the film The Old Man & the Gun. He made a brief return to TV in the series Dark Winds. He leaves behind his wife Sibylle Szaggars, and his two daughters, Shauna Jean and Amy Hart.

HELLO!'s Deputy TV Editor spoke of the "long-lasting impact" Robert left on Hollywood. "While he appeared in over 50 films and won an Oscar for his directorial debut, it's his work for indie films that is his true legacy," she said after his death. "The actor championed independent filmmakers and provided a stage for their work through the annual Sundance Film Festival, which he co-founded. Through his nonprofit, Sundance Institute, Robert gave a voice to fresh cinematic talent, lifting new filmmakers, and as a result, created a major force in the indie film industry.

His life in pictures.

Natalie Wood and Robert Redford in movie scene on boat together © Getty Images

Inside Daisy Clover 1965

He starred with Natalie Wood in the movie, Inside Daisy Clover in 1965.

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in portrait for Barefoot in the Park© Getty Images

Barefoot in the Park

Jane Fonda was his co-star in the 1967 flick

Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford) in a scene from the movie "Butch Casssidy And The Sundance Kid" which was released on October 24, 1969© Getty

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Robert in an iconic photo from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid alongside Paul Newman.

The movie "The Great Gatsby", directed by Jack Clayton, based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Seen here from left, Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan and Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby. Initial theatrical release March 29, 1974© Getty

The Great Gatsby

Robert and Mia Farrow in The Great Gatsby 

Robert Redford relaxes during the filming of 'The Electric Horseman', directed by Sydney Pollack on March 1, 1979 in Utah© Getty

Actor and director

Robert built an inspiring career both in front and behind the camera.

Robert Redford poses for a portrait on the set of the drama film 'A Bridge Too Far', circa 1977© Getty

Handsome good looks

He was known as one of them most handsome figures in Hollywood history.

Robert Redford and his wife Sibylle Szaggars look dazzling white outfits © Getty Images

Love of his life

He leaves behind his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, who he married in 1990.

Robert Redford holds one of his many awards© Getty Images

Retirement

Robert retired from acting in 2018 with the film The Old Man & the Gun.

Robert Redford holding a mic and speaking to a crowd while smiling at Sundance Film Festival in 2020© Getty Images

He will be missed

Fans, co-stars and fellow celebrities have paid tribute to a man they call "one of the greatest actors of all time"

Tributes pour in 

Jane Fonda who starred with him in Tall Story (1960), The Chase (1966), Barefoot in the Park (1967), and The Electric Horseman (1979) and Our Souls at Night (2017) said she "could not stop crying" in her emotional tribute. "It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can't stop crying," she said.

"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."

Barbara Streisand took to social media to share a sweet black and white picture of them together. "Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy," she wrote. 

"We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.

"Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting – and one of the finest actors ever.

"The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings.

"He was one of a kind and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."

Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford sit smiling looking forward in a scene from the film 'The Way We Were', 1973© Getty Images
Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford sit smiling looking forward in a scene from the film 'The Way We Were', 1973

Meryl Streep starred opposite Robert in the romantic drama Out Of Africa and again in the 2007 war film Lions For Lambs, also paid tribute.

She said in a statement: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”

Tributes have been pouring in for Robert following his death. Oscar-winning actress and star of the movie CODA, Marlee Matlin wrote: "Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert."

William Shatner took to X and penned: "Condolences to the family of Robert Redford," while actor James Dreyus said: "RIP Robert Redford. Terrific actor, brilliant director. Truly legendary."

Stephen King added: "Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89." Piers Morgan called Robert "one of the all-time great movie stars".

Leonardo DiCaprio spoke at the London premiere of One Battle After Another and told the PA news agency: “Very sad news, very sad day.

“We lost an absolute legend in our industry. I admire him for not only his work as an actor, but as a director with Quiz Show.

“We have a film tonight that we’re premiering, that is a political thriller in a lot of ways, and he was the one that created the foundation for all that, with All The President’s Men, Three Days Of The Condor.

“But more so than anything, I’ve said it over and over again, he was an avid environmental advocate, was a member of the NRDC (Natural Resources Defence Council) like me, and he was a hero to a lot of people in our industry, including myself, so it’s a huge loss.”

Actor Benicio Del Toro, also at the premiere, paid tribute to Redford’s work as advocate for independent cinema, which led to his creation of the Sundance Institute, known for its annual Sundance Film Festival.

He told the PA news agency: “One of my earliest memories in this business was the premiere of The Usual Suspects in Sundance, and I will never forget that moment, and it was amazing.

“And what he did for young film-makers with Sundance in America, in the USA, it’s unprecedented, and it was amazing.

“I believe that he touched my career, not only as an entertainer, but also as an influence, influencing great young film-makers that have been going through Sundance and becoming legends like probably Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another director).”

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