Robert Redford is gone. The Hollywood legend passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah. He was 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news, saying he passed surrounded by those he loved, in the place he loved.

It is the ending Redford would have written himself, quiet, personal, and far from the noise of Hollywood. For decades, he was more than just a movie star. He was the blueprint for cool, the golden-haired rebel who never played by the rules.

The Actor Who Never Played It Safe

Redford’s film career began in the early 1960s, but he gained widespread recognition with roles in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Sting.” He had that rare mix of charm, brains, and grit. You couldn’t look away. His 1980 debut, “Ordinary People,” won four Oscars, including Best Director for Redford.

Robert FP / IG / The icon built things that lasted. Most notably, the Sundance Institute. It began as a quiet haven for artists and evolved into one of the most significant platforms for independent film.

Thanks to him, countless voices that Hollywood had ignored finally had a shot.

But Redford didn’t care much for the spotlight. Fame, to him, was a byproduct, not a goal. He was soft-spoken, sometimes distant, always thoughtful. When others chased stardom, he focused on craft. He chose roles carefully and avoided sequels or easy hits.

Off-screen, Redford lived a simple life. He avoided Hollywood’s party scene and found peace in Utah, where he owned a ranch. Nature mattered to him. So did the environment. He was a lifelong activist, long before it was trendy. He used his voice and money to back green causes, and he meant it.

Family Life

Redford’s family life was private, but it shaped him. He married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958. They had four children. Tragedy struck early when their son, Scott, died of SIDS in infancy. Redford rarely spoke about it, but those close to him said it left a permanent scar.

He and Lola divorced in 1985. In 2009, he married German artist Sibylle Szaggars. She didn’t know he was famous when they met, and that grounded their relationship. They kept a low profile, often spending time at their home in Utah, far from paparazzi and press junkets.

Redford lost another son, James, in 2020. Jamie was a filmmaker and activist, much like his father. The two worked together at the Redford Center, focusing on environmental storytelling. His death was another heavy blow for Redford, though he rarely let the world see that pain.

Robert FP / IG / His daughters, Shauna and Amy, survive him. Both pursued creative paths. Shauna is a painter and is married to writer Eric Schlosser. Amy is an actress and filmmaker.

Redford once called his children his “greatest achievement,” and those who knew him say he meant it.

He also had seven grandchildren, who remained largely out of the public eye. After his death, they posted touching photos and stories, giving fans a glimpse of the Redford most people never saw – the grandpa, the listener, the quiet presence at family dinners.

However, what made Redford different was his ability to stay true to himself. Even as a leading man, he avoided typecasting. He could play a cowboy, a spy, a politician, or a washed-up news anchor, all with ease. His face aged, but he never chased youth. He let time shape him. That honesty made him timeless.

Sven Kramer

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