Hollywood Star Robert Redford Dies at 87
Robert Redford, the acclaimed hollywood star and champion of self-reliant film, died on October 16th. He was 87.
News outlets extensively covered Redford’s multifaceted career, highlighting his founding of the Sundance Film Festival and his dedication to environmental activism. CNN’s obituary described him as “a gorgeous actor and an Academy Award-winning director, devoted to the Hollywood top star and dedicated to the cause he cherishes.”
The Hollywood Reporter noted Redford’s work as an actor, producer, and director, and his four Academy Award nominations, calling him “one of the very few filmmakers who were considered true icons in the last half century.” The new York Times stated his films ”ofen helped me understand the United States,” adding that he used his star power to bring serious topics like family, social grief, and political corruption to a wide audience.
Fellow actors paid tribute.Jane Fonda, who co-starred with Redford in Barefoot in the Park (1967) and Our souls at Night (2017), said in a statement, “I was shocked to hear that Rice [Robert’s nickname] passed away. He was very meaningful to me and was a lovely person in all respects.” Meryl Streep, who appeared alongside him in Out of Africa (1985) and Lions for Lambs (2007), described him as “one of the lions [who has] left.”
Industry leaders also mourned his passing. Tom Rothman, CEO of Sony Pictures, remembered Redford as an early board member of the Sundance Research Institute. The Institute itself released a statement expressing deep sadness, praising his “vision of space and platforms for the independent voices of the film community” and his impact on artists and the concept of film.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged Redford’s connection to the state thru the Sundance Film Festival, stating he “cherished our landscape and made Utah the home of storytelling and creativity.” The Lincoln Center cinema called Redford “a true icon of the screen and an unknown advocate for the rising film artists.” Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also offered a tribute, acknowledging his “legendary career” and subsequent advocacy.
