Robert Redford, the celebrated actor and filmmaker, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning at the age of 89. Redford’s accomplishments as an actor, director, and filmmaker are legendary. His career reads like an act of cultural insurgency, punctuated by big box office successes and low budget, award-winning indies. His legacy is defined by iconic roles, a passion for activism, and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
President Donald Trump also spoke to reporters outside the White House and recognized Redford’s passing. He referred to Redford as a great American cinema icon. Redford’s passing was felt throughout Hollywood. Fellow actors and admirers quickly took to Twitter to express their shock, condolences, and delightful memories of the legendary star.
A Legacy of Iconic Films
Whether as the actor in the wildly accomplished filmography that includes Butch Cassidy, Horse Whisperer, The Sting, and many more. He starred alongside Meryl Streep in the 1985 romance classic “Out of Africa,” which showcased both his charm and depth as an actor. In addition to his activism, Redford proved his immense artistic talent by portraying Bob Woodward in the 1976 film “All The President’s Men.” This taut dramatization of the Watergate scandal established him as one of Hollywood’s top leading men.
In yet another memorable collaboration, he starred alongside Barbra Streisand in the 1973 film The Way We Were. Through their multifaceted performances, they evoked the poetic imagery of love and nostalgia, creating an unforgettable impact on the viewers. Redford had long relationships with both Jane Fonda and Mike Nichols. Together, they enchanted in hits such as “Barefoot in the Park” in 1967 and “Our Souls at Night” in 2017.
As a Red Sox fan, Redford contributed to cinematic history through his portrayal of one of baseball’s most iconic characters. His performance cemented his legacy as an actor who could stretch himself with complex characters that appealed to audiences of all ages.
An Advocate for Change
Aside from his films, Robert Redford was a legendary activist and advocate. He was a passionate crusader for the environment. A true champion of independent filmmakers, he started the Sundance Institute, cultivating a rich ecosystem of alternative voices in cinema. Redford’s activism ranged through the spectrum of progressive politics and civil rights, emphasizing his desire to truly change the world for the better.
And this legacy is felt and appreciated by all those who admired his work, artistic and humanitarian, both in front of and behind the camera. Bob Woodward remarked on Redford’s storytelling prowess, stating, “He will be remembered as one of the great storytellers in our country’s history.” Colman Domingo echoed this sentiment, saying, “With love and respect. His impact is everlasting.”
Redford’s unique talent for fusing artistry with activism ignited an extraordinary generation of artists who learned from him to follow their artistic muse without hesitation. He created a movement that transcended traditional filmmaking, encouraging others to tell stories that matter.
Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
Meryl Streep reflected on their friendship by stating, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.” Barbra Streisand expressed her emotional response, saying, “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying.”
Jane Fonda fondly recalled their last meeting: “The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings.” Jamie Lee Curtis celebrated Redford’s multifaceted legacy with a poignant message: “A LIFE! FAMILY• ART• TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY• CREATION• LEGACY Thank you Robert Redford.”
Demi Moore added a personal touch by expressing her longing for more time: “What I would do for just one more dance.” Renowned author Stephen King noted how remarkable it was that Redford had been part of a transformative era in Hollywood during the 70s and 80s.
