Hollywood is mourning the loss of Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director and environmentalist, who has died at the age of 89. The star of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Out of Africa passed away at his home in Utah, said to be surrounded by his loved ones. No official cause of death has yet been shared.
A career that shaped Hollywood
Redford’s name became synonymous with some of the greatest films of the 20th century. Alongside Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), he cemented his place in cinema history. This was followed by acclaimed performances in The Sting, All the President’s Men and The Way We Were.
In addition to acting, Redford proved himself as a director and producer, winning an Academy Award for Ordinary People in 1980. His environmental activism and role as the founder of the Sundance Film Festival further underscored his impact beyond the screen. He retired from acting in 2018, although he made a brief return the following year in Avengers: Endgame.
Love, loss and family
Redford’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He married historian Lola Van Wagenen in 1958 and the couple went on to have four children together. Their first son, Scott, died in infancy, a loss Redford later described as devastating. Despite the heartbreak, they raised three more children and went on to become grandparents seven times over.
The marriage ended in 1985, and in later years, Redford was romantically linked to Sonia Braga, Lena Olin and Kathy O’Rear. In 2009, he married German artist Sibylle Szaggars in Hamburg. The couple remained together until his death. Szaggars admitted she had never properly watched his films before they met, something Redford said was part of the charm that drew him to her.
Complicated relationship with Barbra Streisand
Redford’s on-screen partnership with Barbra Streisand in the 1973 romantic drama The Way We Were remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring. Behind the scenes, however, there were reports of creative tension. Director Sydney Pollack once revealed that Redford had concerns about Streisand’s strong presence on set.
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Despite those reservations, the film became a box office success, and the pair maintained a warm friendship long after. Streisand herself described Redford as both “mysterious and approachable,” qualities that defined his enduring screen appeal.
A legacy beyond the screen
While his films earned critical acclaim and box office success, Redford’s influence extended far beyond Hollywood. He was a passionate advocate for the environment, using his platform to campaign for conservation long before it became a mainstream cause. Through the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, he provided a vital platform for independent filmmakers around the world.
Robert Redford leaves behind not just a catalogue of iconic films, but also a legacy of activism, creativity and resilience. His career spanned six decades, and his influence on cinema and culture will continue to resonate for generations.
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