Robert Redford, one of the greatest leading men in history, Oscar-winning director, and champion of independent films, has passed away. The Hollywood legend was 89.
Cindi Berger, chief executive of the publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK, shared the news of Redford’s passing with The New York Times. He passed away in his sleep in his home in Utah early Tuesday morning. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
Redford was born in Santa Monica, California on August 18, 1936. He leaves a legacy few in Hollywood’s long history can match. His natural good looks, wavy blonde hair, charm, onscreen presence, and talent made him a natural leading man. His acting resume alone would make him the envy of most actors to ever grace the silver screen. From action and romance, to drama and political thrillers, Redford could do it all. Just a few of his notable acting credits include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All The Presidents Men, Three Days of the Condor, The Natural, The Way We Were, A Bridge Too Far, Out of Africa, The Great Gatsby, and Indecent Proposal.
In 1974, The Sting earned him a Best Actor nomination. Modern audiences also known him as Alexander Pierce in the MCU. He first played the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He then returned to the part in Avengers: Endgame.
Redford began his career behind the camera with 1980’s Ordinary People. The Best Picture winner also netted him the Oscar for Best Director. He was nominated for Best Director again for 1995’s Quiz Show.
Despite being one of the biggest, most in-demand actors in the industry, Redford was also a huge supporter of independent movies. He founded the Sundance Film Institute in 1981. Three years later, he took over a film in Utah which he then relaunched as the Sundance Film Festival.
Redford was also a noted environmentalism and political activist. He is survived by his wife Szaggars Redford, and his two surviving children, Shauna Schlosser Redford and Amy Redford, whom he had with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen.