Robert Redford, screen idol turned director and activist, dies at 89

Hollywood bids farewell to a legend as acclaimed actor, director, and dedicated activist Robert Redford passes away at the age of 89. Known for his captivating presence as a quintessential leading man and his profound commitment to independent cinema through the Sundance Institute, Redford's legacy leaves an indelible mark on the film industry and beyond.

Initially underestimated by some as simply "another California blond," Redford defied expectations. His undeniable charm and striking good looks quickly propelled him into superstardom, solidifying his place as a globally beloved and highly bankable movie star for over five decades.

Redford's acting career was a testament to his impressive versatility. He effortlessly charmed audiences in romantic epics like Out of Africa, brought gravitas to political thrillers such as The Candidate and All the President’s Men, and wasn't afraid to challenge his golden-boy persona in roles like the alcoholic rodeo champ in The Electric Horseman or the controversial millionaire in Indecent Proposal.

Beyond the silver screen, Redford channeled his success into a groundbreaking venture: the Sundance Institute and Festival. Founded in the 1970s, this initiative became a beacon for independent filmmakers, championing unique voices and narratives well before "indie" cinema gained mainstream recognition.

While an Academy Award for Best Actor eluded him, Redford's directorial debut, the 1980 family drama Ordinary People, garnered Oscars for both Best Picture and Best Director. Yet, for many, his most enduring cinematic moments came from his unforgettable collaborations with Paul Newman in the classic western caper Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and the iconic The Sting (1973).

Despite becoming an overnight sensation after Butch Cassidy, Redford famously remained uneasy with the glare of celebrity. His inherent need for privacy led him to establish a secluded family retreat in remote Utah in the early 1970s, a haven that offered a rare degree of solitude for a star of his magnitude. He was married to his first wife for over 25 years, divorcing in 1985, and later found enduring companionship with German artist Sibylle Szaggars, whom he married in 2009.

Redford leveraged his star power not just for challenging cinematic roles but also to passionately advocate for environmental protection, supporting organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Wildlife Federation. Though never pursuing political office, his liberal views were clear, famously stating in 2017 amidst a contentious political climate that current politics were "in a very dark place" and advising a sitting president to "quit for our benefit."

Born into a "lower working class family" in Santa Monica, California, on August 18, 1937, Redford's path to stardom was anything but direct. After losing a baseball scholarship due to his penchant for partying, he pursued a passion for art, studying painting in Italy and New York. A detour into drama school for set design unexpectedly led him to the stage, becoming a full-time performer on Broadway by 1959, before transitioning to television and eventually making his film debut in 1962's Warhunt. His breakthrough came alongside Jane Fonda in 1967's Barefoot in the Park.

Redford famously passed on a role in The Graduate, instead setting his sights on the iconic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The 1970s further cemented his leading man status with films like The Way We Were and The Great Gatsby. From the 1980s onwards, he increasingly dedicated himself to nurturing cinematic talent through the Sundance Institute, transforming it into a year-round workshop and its festival into a globally influential platform for independent films. His enduring contributions to cinema were recognized with an honorary Oscar in 2001.

Remaining actively involved as both an actor and producer throughout his life, Redford reunited with co-star Jane Fonda in 2017 for the Netflix drama Our Souls at Night. At that time, he indicated his intention to shift focus from acting towards directing and revisiting his original passion for art. His remarkable journey through Hollywood and his unwavering dedication to fostering new talent will be remembered and celebrated.