Robert Redford, Self-reliant Film Pioneer, Dies at 87
Park City, Utah – Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor and staunch advocate for independent filmmaking, has died at his home in Provo, Utah, at the age of 87. While celebrated for his leading-man looks and roles in classics like Butch cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Redford’s enduring legacy lies in his commitment to fostering new voices in cinema and championing environmental causes.
Redford transcended the image of a conventional Hollywood star,actively working to shape the industry beyond his on-screen persona. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, a non-profit dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers, and transformed a small Utah film festival into the globally recognized Sundance Film Festival, beginning in 1984. This dedication provided a crucial platform for groundbreaking directors like Quentin Tarantino, Stephen Soderbergh, Jim Jarmusch, and Darren Aronofsky, fundamentally altering the landscape of American cinema.
The Associated press noted Redford’s ability to move beyond typecasting, stating he “became the most popular leading actor with blond hair and boys, but [he] made efforts to surpass his appearance through political activities, various casts, and independent film support.”
Beyond film, Redford was a committed environmental activist, actively opposing large-scale infrastructure projects like highways and coal-fired power plants. His dedication to both artistic and environmental preservation cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford, and his children. His influence on the film industry and his commitment to social and environmental issues will continue to inspire generations.
ko Kyung-seok, Hankook Ilbo reporter, kave@hankookilbo.com
