Over the course of his nearly seven decades in Hollywood, Robert Redford extended his multi-generational influence across various sectors of the entertainment industry. The actor, who died on Sept. 16 at the age of 89, appeared in more than 50 films, racked up an extensive list of television appearances in the Sixties, and shaped films as both a director and producer. Filmmakers, actors, and film fanatics alike are already feeling the weight and impact of his absence.
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” Jane Fonda shared, via the New York Post. “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.” Fonda and Redford acted alongside each other in Barefoot in the Park. The actor was a lifelong activist whose films often amplified social and environmental causes and indicted the political system, including 1972’s The Candidate and 1976’s All the President’s Men.
“Robert Redford has passed away,” author Stephen King wrote on X. “He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.” In the early Eighties, Redford launched the Sundance Institute, which put a spotlight on emerging filmmakers and storytelling that was essential, though at times overlooked. “Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance,” actress Marlee Matlin wrote on X. “And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”
“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,” Sundance Institute spokeswoman Tiffany Duersch said in a statement, via NBC News. “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.”
“Your art stands the test of time,” Rita Wilson wrote on Instagram. “Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival. You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal.” Sharing an old image of Redford, actor Colman Domingo wrote, “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
Meryl Streep said in a statement via The Independent, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.” Streep appeared alongside Redford in Out of Africa in 1985. They later reunited for Lions for Lambs, released in 2007.
Filmmaker James Gunn shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, “I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace. He was THE movie star, and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Robert.” Gunn shared a list of his 10 favorite Redford films, including Three Days of the Condor, All the President’s Men, The Natural, All Is Lost, Ordinary People, and more. Sharing a still from The Way We Were on Instagram, Rosie O’Donnell shared, “We will never be the same. Goodnight, Bob. What a legacy.”
Antonio Banderas also paid tribute to Redford. On Instagram, the actor wrote, “Robert Redford leaves us, an icon of cinema in every sense. Actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Festival. His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory. RIP.”
On X, Ron Howard described Redford as an “artistic gamechanger,” adding that he was “a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement.”
“His commitment to meaningful cinema and his body of work, the scripts he choose [sic] to be a part of as an actor are deeply inspiring for many and surly for me,” Life of Pi actor Adil Hussain said on Instagram. “He didn’t flow with the mainstream mania… He stood his ground firmly.. He vehemently avoided Binary Story telling.. He was a remarkable Artist … God bless his soul and rest in Peace dearest Robert Redford you have done enough for Humankind through cinema.”
Fiction author and screenwriter Attica Locke shared a photo of a letter she received from Redford in May 2000, not long after she became a fellow at the Sundance Institute’s Feature Filmmakers Lab in 1999. “The real reward for me in terms of Sundance is to know it has meant something to the artists,” he told her. “I’d be happy to help in any way I can. It is a good project.” In her caption, Locke wrote, “He and his institute changed my life. He walked a true artist’s path. Including not only a willingness to speak out about the world but a belief that it is an imperative part of the artist’s journey to use your voice. He walked his talk. And he reached out hand for those coming after him. I will carry that legacy forward.”
