Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor, director and indie patriarch, dies at 89
After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Redford was one of the biggest stars of the '70s with such films…
FILE PHOTO: Actor Robert Redford arrives for the international premiere of The Old Man & the Gun at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada, September 10, 2018. REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo
Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor, director and indie patriarch, dies at 89
Robert Redford, the Hollywood golden boy who became an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema under the name of one of his best-loved characters, died Tuesday at 89.
Redford died "at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved," publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement. No cause of death was provided.
WATCH: Film legends Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek on aging gracefully on-screen
After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Redford was one of the biggest stars of the '70s with such films as "The Candidate," "All the President's Men" and "The Way We Were," capping that decade with the best director Oscar for 1980's "Ordinary People," which also won best picture in 1980. His wavy blond hair and boyish grin made him the most desired of leading men, but he worked hard to transcend his looks — whether through his political advocacy, his willingness to take on unglamorous roles or his dedication to providing a platform for low-budget movies.
Bob Thomas, a longtime Associated Press journalist who died in 2014, was the principal writer of this obituary.
Support Canvas
Sustain our coverage of culture, arts and literature.
More Stories
Joy Reid and Percival Everett among winners of the 46th annual American Book Awards
Former MSNBC host Reid, who left MSNBC in February soon after the network canceled her prime time show “The ReidOut,…
Noah Wyle and 'The Pitt' win best drama at the Emmys as 'The Studio' and Seth Rogen have record-setting night
"I'm legitimately embarrassed by how happy this makes me," "The Studio" co-creator Seth Rogen said with his signature giggle.
Watch
Comedians use laughter as a new tool for suicide prevention
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives in 2023…
Watch
New archive in London celebrates David Bowie's dazzling career and legacy
The chameleon of rock, David Bowie, left behind a profound and colorful legacy. We zoom to London, virtually, to visit…
Watch
'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes reflects on beloved historical drama
“Downton Abbey,” the beloved historical drama of charm and wit, is coming to an end. At its peak, it drew…
Watch
Retired accountant realizes lifelong dream of joining LSU's marching band
At 66 years old, Kent Broussard has proven it’s never too late to chase a dream. After retiring from a…
Watch
Dan Brown on the mysteries and mayhem in his new thriller, 'The Secret of Secrets'
Mysteries and codes, religious rites and scientific formulas. That’s the world of Dan Brown’s thrillers, most famously "The Da Vinci…
Banksy mural of judge beating protester to be removed from London High Court wall
A new Banksy mural showing a judge beating an unarmed protester with a gavel will be removed from outside a…
Watch
Meet Khruangbin, the Texas trio at the forefront of a new music movement
In today’s pop music, vocals reign supreme. The charts are dominated by singers and rappers, but there’s an increasingly popular…
Watch
Remembering iconic designer Giorgio Armani and his lasting impact on fashion
The world of fashion has lost one of its greats. Italian designer Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91.…
Watch
How Tiny Chef captured the internet's heart
He’s a little guy with a huge following online. Tiny Chef, the Instagram sensation who also happens to be animated,…
Iconic fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies at 91
Armani, one of the most recognizable names and faces in the global fashion industry, missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for…
Watch
Museum exhibit showcases the pets who have lived in the White House
Since the nation’s founding, pets have played an essential role in the lives of many U.S. presidents. A new exhibition…
Defunded Corporation for Public Broadcasting will be honored with one of TV's top prizes
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is being honored with the Television Academy’s Governors Award even as it winds down after…