Robert Redford Dies at 89, Director of Oscar-Winning “Ordinary People”

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 16, 2025 - Hollywood legend Robert Redford, the Academy Award-winning director of Ordinary People, died peacefully Tuesday at his home in the Sundance mountains of Utah, surrounded by family.

Redford’s passing marks the end of an era for American cinema and independent film advocacy. From starring roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men to founding the Sundance Institute, Redford’s influence spanned five decades.

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Redford’s 1980 directorial debut, Ordinary People, earned four Academy Awards-including Best Picture and Best Director-and cemented his reputation behind the camera. His commitment to independent voices led to the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, which he nurtured into the premier showcase for emerging filmmakers.

Career Highlights

• Actor and Star Power: Rose to fame in the late 1960s with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and received critical acclaim for The Sting and All the President’s Men.
• Directorial Acclaim: Won Best Director Oscar for Ordinary People (1980) and directed landmark films such as A River Runs Through It (1992) and Quiz Show (1994).
• Independent Film Champion: Founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to support independent storytellers; the festival consistently launches award-winning works.

Personal and Legacy

Redford’s love of the Utah landscape fueled his conservation efforts and environmental advocacy. In 2016, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his cinematic achievements and dedication to preserving America’s natural heritage. He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, two daughters, and a lasting legacy that reshaped both Hollywood and indie film culture.