Beloved actor and accomplished director Robert Redford, famed for his independent spirit and winning an Academy Award, passes away at the age of 89.
Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning director and actor, passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah. The cause of death was not provided.
Redford rose to stardom in the 1960s and was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. He debuted on Broadway in the late 1950s and moved into television on shows like "The Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Untouchables."
Redford's big break came when director Mike Nichols cast him in a production of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park." His roles became iconic, with appearances in films such as "The Candidate," "All the President's Men," "The Way We Were," "Jeremiah Johnson," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," "Out of Africa," and "All is Lost."
Redford is perhaps best known for his screen partnership with Paul Newman, with whom he worked in films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting." He was also considered for the role in "The Graduate," but was unable to relate to the socially awkward character.
In the 1980s, Redford's roles became more sporadic as he concentrated on directing and producing. His directing debut was the Oscar-winning film "Ordinary People," for which he also won the best director Oscar. The film also won best picture that year.
Redford's affinity for the outdoors was well captured in films such as "A River Runs Through It," where he directed Brad Pitt. His love for nature extended beyond the screen, as he advocated for the environment in his later years and was involved in lobbying for legislation such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Redford had an early interest in drawing and painting, and this passion was reflected in his work. He also studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
In addition to his acting and directing careers, Redford is also the founder of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival. Sundance was created to recapture the creative spirit of the early 1970s and to give a chance to independent artists. The Sundance Institute and Film Festival were originally founded in Utah, United States, by Robert Redford. The festival has since become a major platform for low-budget movies and a launching pad for new talent.
Redford was married twice and had four children, two of whom have died. His son, James Redford, an activist and filmmaker, died in 2020.
Redford's legacy will live on through his iconic roles and his contributions to the film industry and environmental activism. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.
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