Robert Redford Dies at His Sundance, Utah Home at 89

Legendary actor and Sundance Institute founder passes away in the mountains he cherished.

Lead Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor and founder of the Sundance Institute, died early Tuesday at his home in Sundance, Utah. He was 89 and surrounded by family in the place that inspired his independent-film movement.

Nut Graf Redford’s passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood’s New Wave, which he helped ignite through landmark films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and by creating a haven for emerging filmmakers. His death underscores his lifelong commitment to creativity and conservation, leaving a lasting legacy on American cinema and the mountain community he adored.

Death and Family Redford died peacefully in his sleep at his mountain retreat on September 16, 2025. A publicist confirmed the family’s request for privacy as friends and colleagues mourn the loss of one of cinema’s most influential figures.

Cinematic Achievements

• Breakthrough roles:

• John “Butch” Cassidy in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

• Bob Woodward in All the President’s Men (1976)

• Academy Award for Best Director: Ordinary People (1980)

Sundance Institute and Film Festival In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute to nurture independent filmmakers away from Hollywood’s pressures. The annual Sundance Film Festival, originally based in nearby Park City, became the premier showcase for new talent before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027.

Environmental Advocacy An outspoken environmentalist, Redford championed conservation and sustainable practices throughout his career. His Sundance Resort community reflects his belief in blending art with nature and protecting the landscapes that inspired him.

Tributes and Legacy Colleagues lauded Redford’s vision and generosity. “He always sought new challenges,” said longtime festival co-director Geoff Gilmore, noting that Sundance remains “a living testament to his ideal of creative freedom”.