Legendary Actor Robert Redford Passes Away at 89 Years of Age
Robert Redford, Hollywood Legend and Founder of Sundance Institute, Passes Away
Robert Redford, the renowned Hollywood actor and founder of the Sundance Institute, has passed away at the age of 86. According to his publicist's statement, Redford died in his sleep early on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Utah.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death are currently unknown, and the cause was not disclosed in the initial reports. The news was confirmed by Redford's publicity firm, Rogers & Cowan PMK, to The New York Times and other outlets.
Redford's career spanned over five decades, during which he starred in and directed numerous critically acclaimed films. He made his film debut in the 1962 Korean War drama "War Hunt," alongside Sydney Pollock, and rose to prominence with his role in George Roy Hill's western "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969.
This iconic film launched Redford's career as a leading man, and he went on to star in other memorable roles, such as in "All the President's Men" and "The Sting," for which he won seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Redford also made his directorial debut in 1980 with the Oscar-winning "Ordinary People," which also starred Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore.
In addition to acting and directing, Redford was also a prolific producer, and he founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering independent cinema. The Sundance Film Festival, run by the Sundance Institute, was officially renamed in 1991 and served as a launching pad for many directors, including Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
Redford directed 10 more films over his career, including 1992's "A River Runs Through It" and 1994's "Quiz Show." He also portrayed Alexander Pierce in the Marvel movies "Captain America: Winter Soldier" and "Avengers: Endgame."
No further details about Redford's funeral or memorial services have been released yet. Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and his children, Shauna, Jamie, and Scott.
Redford's legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through his iconic roles and films but also through the independent cinema he fostered through the Sundance Institute. His contributions to the film industry will be sorely missed.
