Legendary actor, filmmaker, and political activist Robert Redford passed away in his sleep on Sept. 16 at the age of 89.
âRobert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah, the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,â his publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement. âHe will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.â
And with that, tributes have been pouring in all day from others in the industry, remembering this Hollywood icon.
Kiefer Sutherland Pays Tribute To Robert Redford
Kiefer Sutherland took to Instagram on Tuesday, Sept. 16, posting a heartfelt message about Redford’s impact in the industry.
“My heart goes out to Robert Redfordâs family. He was one of the kindest people Iâve ever worked for. A perfect example of the best we have to offer,” Sutherland wrote.
More Celebrities Post Touching Tributes For Robert Redford
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty ImagesMeryl Streep (via Deadline): âOne of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.â
Stephen King: “Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.”
Marlee Matlin: “Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”
Ron Howard: âRIP & thank you RobertRedford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival, which supercharged Americaâs Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger.â
Morgan Freeman: âThere are certain people you know that youâre going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend.â
Jamie Lee Curtis: “A LIFE! FAMILY⢠ART⢠TRANSFORMATION ⢠ADVOCACY⢠CREATION⢠LEGACY Thank you Robert Redford.”
Rosie O’Donnell: “oh hubbell – we will never be the same – goodnight bob – what a legacy â¤ï¸ð¹ð¥²”
Rita Wilson: Your art stands the test of time. Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival. You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal.”
Colman Domingo: “With love and admiration. Thank you, Mr. Redford, for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
Elizabeth McGovern (via PEOPLE): âRobert Redford gave me my first job in Ordinary People, setting a high bar in terms of a subsequent career. His intelligence, empathy and understanding, not only as a filmmaker, but also as a person have been difficult to match. When we shot Ordinary People, he did my scenes on the weekend so that I could attend The Juilliard School during the week. This was the kind of caring person he was. I revered him then; I revere him now.â
Mark Ruffalo: “This was a letter I had written to Robert Redford when I learned he was ill. I didnât get it to him before the news today. This is what a real American Hero looks like. A man who brought people together, lived and practiced empathy, and created good and useful organizations that made peoples lives better and included anyone who had an interest. Please remember him well.”
Leonardo DiCaprio: “Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts. His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
Julianne Moore: “He was the first movie star that I ever loved. My sister sent me this photo this morning from #sundance – it was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence. #RIP Robert Redford We will all miss you â¤ï¸”
ï¸Jane Fonda (via New York Post): âIt hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I canât stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for… Bob made a real difference in all good ways. He represented an America we must now fight to protect. He revolutionized independent film making and made us swoon in so many movies. I am very sad today. Cried all morning. But luckily I can think back on so many joyful, laughter-filled moments when his practical jokes would crack me up. I feel so lucky to have made one of his first big movies with him, âBarefoot in the Parkâ (I fell madly in love with him on that one) and his last (the aforementioned âSouls at Nightâ)… I was wanting to go see him these last few months to make sure we were all right between us but I didnât act on it soon enough. Lesson learned. When people are our age, late 80s, donât wait. Thank you, dearest Bob, for all the pleasure you brought over the years. RIP.â
Hillary Clinton: “I always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next. He championed progressive values like protecting the environment and access to the arts while creating opportunities for new generations of activists and filmmakers. A true American icon.”
Demi Moore (via her Instagram story): âThe world has lost an incredible actor, director, husband, father, and friend. Robertâs legacy will live on forever in so many ways, and I will carry the many memories we share close to my heart. What I would do for just one more dance.”
Melissa Gilbert: “In 1975 , our neighbor down the street, Mrs Conway, took a bunch of us kids to the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, to see The Great Waldo Pepper. I was 11-years-old and the moment Robert Redford appeared onscreen I gasped and whispered âIâm going to marry him.â I fell in love that day. I spent decades watching his work as an actor and director with admiration , awe and a desperately fluttering heart. Many years ago, I was on a Christmas vacation with my family at Sundance and my obsession with âBobâ had become a running joke with my pal @xdancekid , who I am thinking about and sending so much love to today. One day during this trip, I was picking the kids up after skiing, in sweats, no makeup, and wild, sweaty hat hairâ¦just not my best look. We were walking down a path to the car when I saw Jamie Redford walking towards us and then I saw Bob. My heart dropped to my feet. I actually turned to run away and my boys blocked my path. I had to say hello and meet this man, 11-year-old me was sure she was going to marry. I honestly have no memory of what was said that day. I do remember that later I was told Iâd been invited to his Christmas partyâ¦at his home. I went, terrified that Iâd say something or do something innately, dorkily, me. I shouldnât have worried at all. Bob was warm, inviting, engaging and funny. He asked me all about my SAG presidency. He wanted to know what my life was like as a âwoman of great powerââ¦his quote, not mine. He was complimentary , supportive, interestedâ¦.absolutely everything I imagined and more. I will never, ever forget that wonderful night. I send all my love to Bobâs family, friends and all who knew him and loved him. I sure did. Good night sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Marisa Tomei: “the Sundance Kid, waving one last time. Redfordâs generosity wasnât just in his art, but how he showed up for the world. when Ms. Magazine was starting out, his pr office shared the same building. he volunteered his gorgeous back for their oct â75 cover, knowing the attention would help. always lending his weight to something bigger than himself. a legend in every sense. ð︔
Kerry Washington: “We lost a lion today. 17 years ago I had the distinct honor of testifying before congress alongside Robert Redford and John Legend to protect funding for the arts and humanities. I first got to know Bob at Sundance, and I always counted my time with him as a gift and a privilege. He was not just a visionary who transformed American cinema, he was a generous and kind soul who taught those of us in his orbit, endless lessons about art, culture, nature, storytelling, fame and family. Through the years I was lucky enough to stand by Bobâs side at several gatherings where he was advocating for the importance of art and culture – and access and equity. And I will continue to stand up for these values and hold his courage and strength in my heart. Today and always.”
Michelle Pfeiffer: “Until we meet again, my friend. ð¤”
Ethan Hawke: “Robert Redford, our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalist. Robertâs legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival. @sundanceorg”
Mark Ruffalo: “This was a letter I had written to Robert Redford when I learned he was ill. I didnât get it to him before the news today. This is what a real American Hero looks like. A man who brought people together, lived and practiced empathy, and created good and useful organizations that made peoples lives better and included anyone who had an interest. Please remember him well.”
Antonio Banderas: “Robert Redford leaves us, an icon of cinema in every sense. Actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Festival. His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory. RIP.”
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