Robert Redford of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" Passes Away (Comprehensive)

Passed Away Peacefully at His Home in Utah
Founder of Sundance Film Festival and Academy Award-Winning Director

Robert Redford Reuters Yonhap News Agency

Hollywood actor, director, and producer Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89. Cindy Berger, CEO of his public relations agency Rogers & Cowan PMK, announced on the 16th (local time), "Redford passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah," adding, "The family wishes for privacy."

Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford excelled in both sports and the arts from a young age, but developed a strong aversion to authoritarian politics and institutions. His skepticism toward American wars and politics during his adolescence greatly influenced his values. He entered the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship but was expelled after a year for refusing to conform to established norms. After traveling through Europe and abandoning his plans to become a painter, he began studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, embarking on his career as an actor.

Redford began to make his name known in 1959 through television dramas and made his film debut in 1962 with "War Hunt." He delivered notable performances in films such as "Inside Daisy Clover" (1965) and "This Property Is Condemned" (1966), and rose to stardom playing the Sundance Kid in "Shoot for Tomorrow" (1969).

During the 1970s and 1980s, Redford established himself as a charismatic leading actor in films such as "The Sting" (1973), "The Great Gatsby" (1974), "All the President's Men" (1976), and "Out of Africa" (1985). In 1980, he received the Oscar for Best Director for his directorial debut, "Ordinary People," earning recognition for his directing skills as well. In 2002, he was also honored with an Academy Honorary Award for lifetime achievement.

Movie Still Cut from "Shoot for Tomorrow"

Redford left a significant legacy not only as an actor but also in independent film and environmental activism. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Film Festival, providing a platform for independent filmmakers and leading the American independent film revolution. The Sundance Film Festival remains one of the most important gateways for emerging directors and production companies. The festival's name was taken from the character he played in "Shoot for Tomorrow."

In 2019, Redford left a strong impression by playing secret agent Alexander Pierce in "Avengers: Endgame." He remained active in recent years, producing the AMC drama "Dark Winds" and moving seamlessly between film and television.

Hollywood critics and colleagues regard Redford not merely as a popular star, but as an actor and director who valued social messages and independence. On screen, he captivated audiences with his portrayal of cool-headed and bold characters, in contrast to the classic male leads of his era. Off screen, he was an outspoken advocate for environmental protection and social issues, notably leading opposition to oil development in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. Through documentaries and works with political messages, he set an example for socially engaged filmmaking.