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. He died in his sleep, but no cause was provided.

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.

His roles ranged from Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward to a mountain man in “Jeremiah Johnson” to a double agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and his co-stars included Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise. But his most famous screen partner was his old friend and fellow activist and practical joker Paul Newman, their films a variation of their warm, teasing relationship off screen. Redford played the wily outlaw opposite Newman in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” a box-office smash from which Redford’s Sundance Institute and festival got its name. He also teamed with Newman on 1973’s best picture Oscar winner, “The Sting,” which earned Redford a best-actor nomination as a young con artist in 1930s Chicago.

“I just figure that I’ve had a long career that I’m very pleased with. It’s been so long, ever since I was 21,” he told The Associated Press shortly before the film came out. “I figure now as I’m getting into my 80s, it’s maybe time to move toward retirement and spend more time with my wife and family.”

Sundance is born

Redford had watched Hollywood grow more cautious and controlling during the 1970s and wanted to recapture the creative spirit of the early part of the decade. Sundance was created to nurture new talent away from the pressures of Hollywood, the institute providing a training ground and the festival, based in Park City, Utah, where Redford had purchased land with the initial hope of opening a ski resort. Instead, Park City became a place of discovery for such previously unknown filmmakers as Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Paul Thomas Anderson and Darren Aronofsky.

“For me, the word to be underscored is ‘independence,’” Redford told the AP in 2018. “I’ve always believed in that word. That’s what led to me eventually wanting to create a category that supported independent artists who weren’t given a chance to be heard.

“The industry was pretty well controlled by the mainstream, which I was a part of. But I saw other stories out there that weren’t having a chance to be told and I thought, ‘Well, maybe I can commit my energies to giving those people a chance.’ As I look back on it, I feel very good about that.”

By 2025, the festival had become so prominent that organizers decided they had outgrown Park City and approved relocating to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. Redford, who had attended the University of Colorado Boulder, issued a statement saying that “change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival.”

Redford’s affinity for the outdoors was well captured in “A River Runs Through It” and other films and through his decades of advocacy for the environment, inspired in part by witnessing the transformation of Los Angeles into a city of smog and freeways. His activities ranged from lobbying for such legislation as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act to pushing for land conservation in Utah to serving on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Redford was married twice, most recently to Sibylle Szaggars. He had four children, two of whom have died — Scott Anthony, who died in infancy, in 1959; and James Redford, an activist and filmmaker who died in 2020.

Redford’s early life

Robert Redford was born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on Aug. 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, a California boy whose blond good looks eased his way over an apprenticeship in television and live theater that eventually led to the big screen.

Redford attended college on a baseball scholarship and would later star as a middle-aged slugger in 1984’s “The Natural,” the adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s baseball novel. He had an early interest in drawing and painting, then went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, debuting on Broadway in the late 1950s and moving into television on such shows as “The Twilight Zone,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Untouchables.”

After scoring a Broadway lead in “Sunday in New York,” Redford was cast by director Mike Nichols in a production of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” later starring with Fonda in the film version. Redford did miss out on one of Nichols’ greatest successes, “The Graduate,” released in 1967. Nichols had considered casting Redford in the part eventually played by Dustin Hoffman, but Redford seemed unable to relate to the socially awkward young man who ends up having an affair with one of his parents’ friends.

“I said, ‘You can’t play it. You can never play a loser,’” Nichols said during a 2003 screening of the film in New York. “And Redford said, ‘What do you mean? Of course I can play a loser.’ And I said, ‘OK, have you ever struck out with a girl?’ and he said, ‘What do you mean?’ And he wasn’t joking.”

Indie champion, mainstream star

Even as Redford championed low-budget independent filmmaking, he continued to star in mainstream Hollywood productions himself, scoring the occasional hit such as 2001’s “Spy Game,” which co-starred Brad Pitt, an heir apparent to Redford’s handsome legacy whom he had directed in “A River Runs Through It.”

Ironically, “The Blair Witch Project,” “Garden State,” “Napoleon Dynamite” and other scrappy films that came out of Sundance sometimes made bigger waves — and more money — than some Redford-starring box-office duds like “Havana,” “The Last Castle” and “An Unfinished Life.”

Redford also appeared in several political narratives. He satirized campaigning as an idealist running for U.S. senator in 1972’s “The Candidate” and uttered one of the more memorable closing lines, “What do we do now?” after his character manages to win. He starred as Woodward to Hoffman’s Carl Bernstein in 1976’s “All the President’s Men,” the story of the Washington Post reporters whose Watergate investigation helped bring down President Richard Nixon.

With 2007’s “Lions for Lambs,” Redford returned to directing in a saga of a congressman (Tom Cruise), a journalist (Meryl Streep) and an academic (Redford) whose lives intersect over the war on terrorism in Afghanistan.

His biggest filmmaking triumph came with his directing debut on “Ordinary People,” which beat Martin Scorsese’s classic “Raging Bull” at the Oscars. The film starred Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore as the repressed parents of a troubled young man, played by Timothy Hutton, in his big screen debut. Redford was praised for casting Moore in an unexpectedly serious role and for his even-handed treatment of the characters, a quality that Roger Ebert believed set “the film apart from the sophisticated suburban soap opera it could easily have become.”

Refresh for updates...Barbra Streisand is paying tribute to her late co-star Robert Redford, writing in part on Instagram, “Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,”… Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever.as exciting, intense and pure joy.”

See Streisand’s full statement below, along with many others.

Leonardo DiCaprio is adding his voice in praise of the late Robert Redford, noting, part, “His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”

In a statement, Jane Fonda also paid tribute to Redford, who died Tuesday at 89. The two were frequent co-stars (Barefoot in the Park, The Chase, The Electric Horseman and Our Souls At Night) – and lifelong friends.

“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” Fonda said in the statement provided to news outlets. “I can’t 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.”

Meryl Streep also honored her Out of Africa co-star, saying in a statement, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”

Streep’s was just one of many tributes to the Hollywood and indie film icon that began arriving with news of Redford’s death today at 89, and will no doubt continue throughout the day.

Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, said in a statement, “In addition to being a titanic acting and directing talent, as an early board member of the Sundance Institute, I saw first-hand the Sundance Kid’s passionate commitment to indie film and young artists. Robert Redford truly gave back. The entire scope of American film would have been much poorer without him. An amazing legacy of an amazing man.” 

The Sundance Institute said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.”

The Cannes Film Festival also weighed in Tuesday:
“Forever Robert Redford.

“Forever the cowboy, the escapee, the candidate, the prisoner, the Great Gatsby, the con man, the student, the playboy, the loner, the cryptographer, the military man, the reporter, the rodeo champion, the lover, the baseball star, the sailor, the horse whisperer… More than 70 roles, nine directed films, the founding of the Sundance Independent Film Festival. And throughout a life dedicated to cinema, an unparalleled elegance in his art, his commitments, and his struggles. Redford was more than a myth: he was a role model. Forever Robert Redford, an electric horseman in love with freedom.”

On The View today, moderator Whoopi Goldberg started the show by sharing news of Redford’s death with an audibly surprised audience, then led a panel discussion about favorite movies from the actor’s career. Among the many films mentioned, Goldberg noted a favorite Twilight Zone episode from 1962 titled “Nothing in the Dark,” in which Redford played the personification of death. Behar praised the romance classic The Way We Were, as well as Three Days of the Condor.

“I was really struck by his work on climate change,” co-host Sunny Hostin said. “He knew that it would be a problem before many people were paying attention. That says something about caring for the world that he would leave behind.”

Also remembering Redford today was Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who wrote on social media of Redford’s impact on the state with the Sundance Film Festival: “Decades ago, Robert Redford came to Utah and fell in love with this place. He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity. Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world. Today we honor his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”

President Donald Trump, told of Redford’s passing while speaking to reporters before his visit to the UK, said, “Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better. There was a period of time when he was the hottest. I thought he was great.”

Hillary Clinton also paid tribute to Redford, writing on social media that she “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.”

Others also weighed in:

Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter: “With Bob’s passing, we have lost an incomparable director, actor, and independent film icon. Bob’s masterful directorial debut in 1980 with Ordinary People, for which he won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film, not only catapulted his career as a director, but also showcased his ability to rouse powerful, resonant performances from his actors,” said DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter. “He proved himself a master time and time again with such modern classics as The River Runs Through It, Quiz Show, for which he earned a DGA Award nomination in 1994, and Lions for Lambs.

“Bob was also a passionate advocate,” Glatter continued, “always searching for ways to support filmmakers and bolster the craft of storytelling. His establishment of the Sundance Institute over 40 years ago embodies his legacy of giving back – shaping the landscape of independent filmmaking and paving the way for more diverse voices to be heard. And through his decades-long stewardship of the Sundance Film Festival, he advanced a showcase where independent film could truly thrive. He was a strong believer in film preservation through his service on the Board of Directors for The Film Foundation. He was also deeply involved in the DGA’s political action committee and in helping steer its legislative efforts. A member since 1979, the entire DGA community mourns Bob’s passing and is forever grateful for his efforts in supporting generations of new filmmakers. We will miss him dearly.” 

“Our film, Coda, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance,” wrote Marlee Matlin on X. “And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed.”

“What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss,” wrote Piers Morgan.

Film at Lincoln Center called Redford “a true icon of the silver screen, a tireless champion of up-and-coming film artists…”

Joan Van Ark wrote: “Way back in the day, many years ago, when some of us were just starting our careers, a few of us were blessed to be directed by Mike Nichols in a play called Barefoot in the Park on Broadway. I played the bride, Corie Bratter. The husband, Paul Bratter, was played by a young actor named Robert Redford. From that moment on, he became an icon, going on to greatness as an actor’s actor, a director’s director.”

From Stefanie Powers: “I met him in Kenya just before he began filming Out of Africa. … His passion for the environment and for giving back to the industry that had given him so much was in its infancy and he brought that passion to great heights. I loved his work as an actor, and I applaud his work as an environmentalist. He will be missed on both accounts.”

Said Hank Garrett: “One of the best and nicest men I ever had the good fortune to work. Our fight scene in Three Days of the Condor is still listed as one of the best ever done on screen. Robert and I shared a mutual pride in this accomplishment, and remained good friends over the years.”

Deadline will update this post as more tributes arrive…

President Donald Trump on Monday filed a federal defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, four of its reporters and Penguin Random House over coverage of his 2024 campaign.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which covers the area where Trump resides outside the White House, accused the newspaper of attempting to ruin his reputation as a businessman, sink his campaign and prejudice judges and juries against him in coverage of his campaign.

The reporters and defendants are Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker, and Michael S. Schmidt. Penguin Random House published a book by Craig and Buettner titled “Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success.”

The newspaper, the suit alleges, “continued spreading false and defamatory content about President Trump” and refused to recognize he “secured the greatest personal and political achievement in American history” with his 2024 win.

The suit singles out a New York Times editorial endorsing Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.

“The [editorial] Board asserted hypocritically and without evidence that President Trump would ‘defy the norms and dismantle the institutions that have made our country strong,'” the suit states.

It also points to three long-form articles in 2024 by the paper’s reporters named in the filing challenging narratives on Trump’s success as a businessman, looking at past scandals and analyzing his character as one that could move the Oval Office toward dictatorship.

“Today, the Times is a full-throated mouthpiece for the Democrat Party,” the filing alleges. “The newspaper’s editorial routine is now one of industrial-scale defamation and libel against political opponents. As such, the Times has become a leading, and unapologetic purveyor of falsehoods against President Trump.”

The New York Times said the suit is without merit.

“It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting,” a spokesperson for the New York Times said in a statement Tuesday. “The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists’ First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people.”

Penguin Random House and the reporters named in the suit did immediately responded to requests for comment early Tuesday.

The suit includes letters sent by Trump’s lawyers to the New York Times and Penguin Random House in October, along with responses from the two media organizations’ lawyers. The letter to the Times demanded it cease and desist from making “false and defamatory statements” about the president, while listing a litany of complaints about Times coverage.

Newsroom lawyer David McCraw responded by defending the reporting in articles mentioned by Trump’s lawyers.

“Little needs to be said about the rest of your letter, which is principally a litany of personal complaints about The New York Times and its reporters, punctuated with falsehoods and premised on the deeply troubling notion that anyone who dares to report unfavorable facts about a presidential candidate is engaged in “sabotage” (as opposed to, say, contributing to the free exchange of information and ideas that makes our democracy possible),” McCraw wrote, according to the letter attached to Monday’s suit.

Carolyn K. Foley, Penguin Random House senior vice president and associate general counsel, responded to Trump lawyer Edward Andrew Paltzik: “The fact that the authors of the book do not share your favorable view of your client’s career, does not provide the foundation for a defamation claim.”

Monday’s filing seeks no less than $15 billion in compensatory damages for the alleged defamation, as well as unspecified punitive damages.

The reporters Schmidt, Craig and Baker have been contributors to MSNBC and NBC News.

ABC and Paramount, the parent company of CBS, have settled lawsuits brought by Trump and the president launched a new one against the Wall Street Journal and its ownership in July.