Hollywood icon Robert Redford dies at 89
The film star, Oscar winner and promoter of independent cinema died in his sleep at home in Utah
Robert Redford, the Hollywood golden boy who became an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema under the name of Sundance, one of his best-loved characters, died on 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.
After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Redford was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s with such films as 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 films.
His roles ranged from Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward 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 friend and fellow activist and practical joker Paul Newman, their films a variation of their warm, teasing relationship off screen.