Alluring charm faded, Robert Redford passes away.
Robert Redford, Hollywood Legend and Environmental Activist, Passes Away at 89
Robert Redford, the iconic actor known for his roles in films like "The Horse Whisperer" and "All the President's Men", has died at the age of 89 in his home in Utah. His death was confirmed by his spokesperson to the German Press Agency.
Born in Santa Monica, California, Redford grew up in humble circumstances as the son of a bookkeeper. He first appeared on the silver screen over 50 years ago, making a splash as a charming gangster in the Western comedy "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969).
Redford's connection to Sundance didn't end there. He went on to establish the Sundance Film Festival, now the largest US film festival for independent productions, in 1980. The festival takes place every January, serving as a gathering for the independent film scene.
Throughout his career, Redford saw it as his mission to promote young, critical voices. In "The Candidate" (1972), he portrayed a politically active character, and in "All the President's Men" (1976), he transformed into the "Washington Post" journalists who brought down Richard Nixon. He took a stand on political and environmental issues, both on screen and as a director.
Redford's "wake-up call" to environmental issues came in 1989 at a conference in Denver. From then on, he became a dedicated environmental activist and nature conservationist. His performance in the survival drama "All Is Lost" (2012) showcased his commitment to portraying roles that mattered to him. Despite being snubbed for an Oscar nomination, Redford delivered a powerful performance that left a lasting impression.
In his personal life, Redford married four times, with his first marriage ending in 1985. He married his long-time German girlfriend, the painter Sibylle Szaggars, in Hamburg in 2009. The couple was rarely seen at film parties.
Redford's death has left a void in the film world. Hollywood was never Redford's dream goal, according to a statement he made in 2013. Despite this, he became a screen icon, with his final role as an old bank robber in "The Old Man & the Gun" (2018) being a fitting tribute to his rebellious spirit.
Meryl Streep, Redford's co-star in "Out of Africa", said "Rest in peace, my dear friend." At 81, Redford received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 2017. He expressed satisfaction with his life, stating "I'd do it all again, even the mistakes, they're part of the process."
Redford's eldest son died at a few months old, and his son James, also a filmmaker, died of cancer in 2020 at the age of 58. The Hollywood community and the world mourn the loss of a true screen icon.
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