Hollywood is mourning the death of acting legend Robert Redford.
Celebrities took to social media to praise Redford’s art, his advocacy, and for founding the renowned Sundance Film Festival, which has supported the work of independent filmmakers.
“There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on ‘Brubaker’ in 1980, we instantly became friends,” wrote Morgan Freeman on X. “Working with him again in ‘An Unfinished Life’ was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend.”
Actor Antonio Banderas 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.”
“No actor more iconic,” Ben Stiller posted to X.
Octavia Spencer called him a “storyteller, a visionary,” and someone she “admired deeply.”
“I’m grateful I had the chance to witness his magic firsthand. I advised at the @sundanceorg Institute for a week and watched how HE was such an important voice in shaping the perspectives of countless emerging filmmakers,” she wrote on Instagram. “After that week, I, the Oscar-winning professional, found myself begging to pay to enter their 12-week intensive because the experience was that transformative. Of course, they declined. But Mr. Redford was moved that I valued it so highly. That week inspired me to become a donor, and I’ve carried the impact with me ever since.”
“Through Sundance, he leveled the playing field for new voices to be heard. Our industry is forever changed because of him and because of the filmmakers Sundance nurtured. Visionaries like Ryan Coogler, Cary Fukunaga, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Radha Blank and so many more,” her caption continued. “From Butch Cassidy to Sundance, he blended art and activism in ways few have. His quiet strength will live in every frame he directed, every festival he championed and every artist he encouraged.”
Jamie Lee Curtis posted a photo of Redford as the “Sundance Kid” on social media with the simple caption: “A LIFE! FAMILY• ART• TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY• CREATION• LEGACY. Thank you Robert Redford.”
Redford’s “Out of Africa” co-star Meryl Streep issued a statement obtained by Deadline, writing, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.”
“Our film, ‘CODA,’ came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert,” wrote Marlee Matlin on X.
Actor Colman Domingo wrote, “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”
Actor and filmmaker Ron Howard paid tribute on X writing, “#RIP & thank you Robert Redford, 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. Artistic Gamechanger.”
Rosie O’Donnell posted a photo of Redford alongside Barbra Streisand from “They Way We Were.”
“Oh Hubbell – we will never be the same – goodnight Bob – what a legacy,” she wrote on Instagram.
The Academy Award winner, who was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Van Nuys, passed away at 89 at his Utah home, his publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement on Tuesday. No cause of death was provided.
He is survived by his two daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Redford had four children, but was predeceased by his two sons.
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