Robert Redford, American actor, director, activist and trailblazer for independent film, has died at 89.
He died Tuesday morning at his Utah home, in the mountains just outside Provo, “the place he loved surrounded by those he loved,” his longtime publicist, Cindi Berger, told The New York Times.
Redford died in his sleep, and a cause of death has not been provided.
Fans in Utah, Hollywood and worldwide paid tribute to Redford for his contributions to the independent film industry, particularly for launching The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
“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,” The Sundance Institute said in a statement shared with the Deseret News.
The statement continued, “Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, 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.”
Here is how others are responding to Redford’s death.
Utah remembers Redford
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
Gov. Spencer Cox paid tribute to Redford for playing a role in making “Utah a home for storytelling and creativity,” Cox said in a statement.
“Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world,” Cox continued. “Today we honor his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”
Utah Sen. John Curtis
Utah Sen. John Curtis said he feels a “deep sense of gratitude for the life and legacy of Robert Redford.”
“His vision with Sundance and his dedication to preserving the beauty of Utah’s outdoors have touched every corner of our state. Through the Sundance Film Festival, he not only elevated Utah on the world stage but also inspired us to see the power of art, storytelling, and nature,” Curtis wrote in a statement.
“His love for this place mirrors my own, and I am profoundly grateful for the way he enriched Utah and left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”
Park City Mayor Nann Worel
“Robert Redford changed the trajectory of Park City and left an indelible mark on Utah. 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,” Park City Mayor Nann Worel wrote in a statement.
She continued, “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.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson
Jenny Wilson, mayor of Salt Lake County. honored Redford for how he “helped define the Utah we know today, and for the better.”
“Redford was passionate about many things, including the environment and the arts, but also politics; yet his comments were always thoughtful and respectful, which is rare today,” Wilson said in a statement.
She continued, “On a personal note, I was hired at Sundance as my first full-time position and the power of his voice and the organization he created has had more impact on my personal values and career than any other influence. I’m lucky to have memories of special times with him and the Sundance organization. My heart goes out to his family and to all who were lucky to know him.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall praised Redford for leaving a “legacy on Utah and the world that won’t be soon forgotten.”
Her tribute continued, “I think of what he both lived for and advocated for in his actions: meaningful storytelling that brings people together by conveying complex emotions into powerful inspiration…and solace in the outdoors through his stewardship of the environment."
Hollywood remembers Redford
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda, who starred alongside Redford in movies such as “Barefoot in the Park,” “The Chase,” and most recently “Our Souls at Night,” said she “can’t stop crying” since hearing news of Redford’s death.
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” she said in a statement to IndieWire. “He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
Meryl Streep
“One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend,” Meryl Streep said in a statement.
Streep starred opposite Redford in the 1985 romantic drama, “Out Of Africa,” as well as the 2007 Redford-directed thriller movie, “Lions For Lambs.”
Ron Howard
Actor-director Ron Howard thanked Redford for “launching the Sundance Film Festival, which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement,” per a statement made on X.
He also called Redford an “artistic gamechanger” and “a tremendously influential cultural figure.”
Stephen King
American author Stephen King said Redford was “part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the ’70s and ’80s,” in a reaction shared on X.
Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes, the English actor best known for his role in “The Princess Bride,” called Redford “warm, engaging and gracious.”
Elwes said he admired Redford as a child and studied “his talent, his choices as an artist and a lover of the arts,” in a tribute shared on Instagram.
William Shatner
“Star Trek” actor William Shatner gave his condolences to Redford’s family in a statement on X.
Marlee Matlin
“A genius has passed,” actress Marlee Matlin shared on X.
“Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance,” she wrote. “And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford.”
Jamie Lee Curtis
Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis thanked Redford for his contributions to art, creation and advocacy in a tribute shared on Instagram.
Piers Morgan
English journalist Piers Morgan called Redford “one of the all-time great movie stars,” in a post shared on X.
He continued, “A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favorite films. ... What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss.”
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman, who starred alongside Redford in the drama “An Unfinished Life,” said working together was a “dream come true,” nothing that the pair “instantly became friends,” per X.
Ethan Hawke
Actor Ethan Hawke applauded Redford as the “ultimate champion of independent film,” per an Instagram tribute.
“Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival,” Hawke wrote.
Ben Stiller
“No actor more iconic,” actor-director Ben Stiller wrote on X.
Julianne Moore
“He was the first movie star that I ever loved,” wrote actress Julianne Moore, adding, “It was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence.”
Kerry Washington
Actress Kerry Washington recalled meeting Redford at Sundance Film Festival — " I always counted my time with him as a gift and a privilege," she wrote in her Instagram tribute.
“He was not just a visionary who transformed American cinema, he was a generous and kind soul who taught those of us in his orbit, endless lessons about art, culture, nature, storytelling, fame and family,” Kerry continued.
“Through the years I was lucky enough to stand by Bob’s side at several gatherings where he was advocating for the importance of art and culture - and access and equity. And I will continue to stand up for these values and hold his courage and strength in my heart.”
Leonardo DiCaprio
“Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts,” wrote actor Leonardo DiCaprio, per Instagram. “His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent.”
“His impact will endure for generations to come.”
Octavia Spencer
Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer said working with Redford during The Sundance Film Festival was a “transformative” experience, per an Instagram tribute.
“Through Sundance, he leveled the playing field for new voices to be heard,” Spencer wrote. “Our industry is forever changed because of him and because of the filmmakers Sundance nurtured.”
She continued, “From Butch Cassidy to Sundance, he blended art and activism in ways few have. His quiet strength will live in every frame he directed, every festival he championed and every artist he encouraged.”
Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas, the Spanish actor known for his role in “Mask of Zorro,” called Redford “an icon of cinema in every sense,” per X.
“His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory.”
Political figures remember Redford
Donald Trump
Before leaving for a visit to the United Kingdom, President Donald Trump responded to Redford’s death while speaking to reporters outside the White House.
“Robert Redford was great. He had years where there was no one better,” Trump said. “He made seven or eight great movies. … There was a period of time where he was the hottest.”
Hilary Clinton
Former first lady and presidential candidate Hilary Clinton said she “always admired” Redford.
“He championed progressive values like protecting the environment and access to the arts while creating opportunities for new generations of activists and filmmakers,” Clinton wrote in an Instagram statement.
“A true American icon,” she added.
Nancy Pelosi
Former speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi said Redford was a, “fearless artist, environmental champion and founder of Sundance—who opened doors for independent storytellers everywhere," per a statement made to X.
“His legacy of courage, creativity and conscience will continue to inspire us,” she added.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Gov. Grisham said Redford’s connection to New Mexico, “let an indelible mark on its cultural and environmental landscape,” per an statement on X.
She continued, “His legacy endures in every film that honors New Mexico’s stories, in his conservation work that protects our landscapes, and in the tradition of artists who understand that great art serves both beauty and truth.”