(born August 18, 1936) was a legendary American actor, director, and producer known for films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Ordinary People, which he also directed to an Oscar win. A founder of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, he championed independent cinema and was a prominent environmental and social activist. Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89.
Early Life and Career
- Born in Santa Monica, California, Redford initially studied art before pursuing acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
- He made his Broadway debut in 1959 and gained wider notice with the 1963 hit play Barefoot in the Park.
- His early film career took off with films like Barefoot in the Park (1967), and worldwide fame followed with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969).
Major Works & Accolades
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Actor:Starred in iconic films including All the President’s Men (1976), The Sting (1973), and All Is Lost (2013).
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Director:Won an Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People (1980) and was nominated again for Quiz Show (1994).
Awards:
Received an Oscar, DGA Award, Golden Globe Award, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award, among others.
Sundance Institute
- Redford founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival in 1981, creating a crucial platform for independent filmmaking.
Activism
- A dedicated environmentalist, he was involved in environmental legislation and opposed a coal-fired power plant in Southern Utah, according to the California Museum.
Legacy
- Redford is remembered as one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, with his work spanning acting, directing, producing, and activism.
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