SUNDANCE, Utah—Robert Redford, the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival, has died at 89, his publicist told Reuters.
Redford passed away on Tuesday at his home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family, according to Cindi Berger, CEO of publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Born on August 18, 1937, in Santa Monica, Calif., Redford became one of Hollywood’s leading men with roles in films such as Out of Africa (1985), The Candidate (1972), All the President’s Men (1976), The Electric Horseman (1979), and Indecent Proposal (1993). Redford won two Academy Awards, including an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar in 2002, three Golden Globe Awards, and two BAFTA awards, among several others.
Redford used his success in film to establish the Sundance Institute and later the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, creating a platform for independent filmmakers. The Festival has since introduced a wide range of films and series and is the largest independent film festival in the United States. According to a report on Sundance.org, the 2025 Sundance Film Festival “contributed a total economic impact of $196.1 million—the largest economic impact in the Festival’s history (not adjusted for inflation).”
In a statement released on social media, the Sundance Institute said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend, Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his contributions to culture, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.”
In addition to tributes from Redford’s co-stars and industry peers, Utah leaders expressed their condolences and admiration for Redford’s work and the impact of the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival. “Robert Redford changed the trajectory of Park City and left an indelible mark on Utah,” said Park City Mayor Nann Worel, via social media. “Through his vision for the Sundance Film Festival, he brought world-class art to our mountains and introduced so many of us to the power of independent film. He was a maverick—unafraid to chart his own path—showing that ideas and creativity can flourish even amid our differences. His legacy is both beautiful and profound, and one for which we all should be deeply grateful.”
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox released a statement on social media as well: “Decades ago, Robert Redford came to Utah and fell in love with this place. He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity. Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world. Today we honor his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”
Redford’s career spanned acting, directing, and producing, and his work at Sundance has shaped independent filmmaking in the United States and internationally.
