1970s screen idol who stole hearts in Butch Cassidy passes away at 89

A Hollywood icon whose charm defined a generation, has passed away at the age of 89.

He was celebrated not only for his on-screen talent but for his fierce advocacy for independent cinema and liberal causes.

His death marks the end of an era for both Hollywood and the Sundance community.

Robert Redford died 'at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,' publicist Cindi Berger said, without providing a cause of death.

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr on 18 August 1937 in Santa Monica, California, Redford's striking good looks and natural charisma launched him from television and live theatre into Hollywood stardom.

By the 1970s, he had become one of the biggest stars in cinema, appearing in The Candidate, All the President's Men, and The Way We Were, before winning the Academy Award for Best Director for 1980's Ordinary People, which also took home Best Picture.

Memorable Roles and Iconic Co-Stars

Redford's roles were varied and memorable, from journalist Bob Woodward to a mountain man in Jeremiah Johnson, a charming outlaw in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and even a double agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

His co-stars included Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise.

Legacy of Sundance and Independent Cinema

Redford is perhaps best remembered for his partnership with fellow activist Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a film that inspired the name of the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival, both founded by Redford.

He created Sundance to nurture new talent away from Hollywood’s constraints, turning Park City, Utah, into a hub for independent filmmaking.

Filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Paul Thomas Anderson and Darren Aronofsky benefited from Redford’s vision.

Family, Career Milestones, and Awards

Redford was married twice, most recently to artist Sibylle Szaggars, and had four children, two of whom predeceased him — Scott Anthony in infancy and James Redford in 2020.

He made his big-screen debut in 1962 with Warhunt but first gained attention in 1967’s Barefoot in the Park opposite Jane Fonda.

His transition from actor to director culminated in Ordinary People, which beat Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull at the Oscars.

He also starred in Out of Africa in 1985 and received critical acclaim for All is Lost in 2013, where he was the film’s sole performer.

In 2017, he reunited with Fonda for Our Souls at Night, and in 2018 he appeared in The Old Man and the Gun, which he described as his farewell movie.

Redford’s contributions were recognised in 2016 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, cementing his legacy as a champion of the arts and a voice for independence in cinema.

Robert Redford’s dedication to independent cinema and nurturing new talent left a lasting mark on the film industry worldwide.

A similar story can be seen in the life of another acclaimed director whose work shaped the Australian film scene and inspired generations of filmmakers.

Exploring their legacy offers a deeper appreciation for how visionary directors can influence both audiences and the industry itself.

Read more: Acclaimed director dies at 82, Australian film icon remembered

Losing Robert Redford feels like the closing of a chapter in both Hollywood history and the world of independent film. May he rest in peace.