Hollywood has lost one of its brightest icons. Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and environmental advocate, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the entertainment world as colleagues and fans remembered his immense contributions both on and off screen.
Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on Redford’s Influence
At the London premiere of his new movie One Battle After Another, Leonardo DiCaprio spoke movingly about the impact Redford had on him personally.
Having starred alongside Redford in the 2008 film Body of Lies, DiCaprio credited the late actor with inspiring his environmental activism.
“I admired him deeply—not just as an actor and director, but as a passionate environmentalist,” DiCaprio told reporters on the red carpet.
Speaking to Deadline, he added, “Yes, he inspired my environmentalism.
He was part of the NRDC, advocated for indigenous rights, and preserved a lot of land in Utah.
Plus, he founded the Sundance Film Festival. He’s a legend and an inspiration, and losing him is a huge blow.”
Redford’s Lifelong Commitment to the Environment
Redford’s environmental efforts were as notable as his film career.
In 1975, he campaigned against the construction of a power plant in Utah and later founded the Institute for Resource Management to mediate between conflicting environmental interests.
He also co-founded the Redford Center, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental impact filmmaking, and organized the Sundance Symposium on Global Climate Change.
Shared Roles and Lasting Legacies
DiCaprio and Redford also share a unique connection through the role of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby.
Redford played the iconic character in 1974, while DiCaprio reprised it in 2013.
Earlier in the day, DiCaprio paid tribute on Instagram, calling Redford an “actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts” and emphasizing that his impact will resonate for generations.
Tributes from Hollywood and Beyond
The tributes didn’t stop with DiCaprio. Hollywood director Ron Howard praised Redford as an “artistic gamechanger,” highlighting his influence on independent cinema through the Sundance Film Festival.
Meryl Streep, who worked with Redford in films like Out of Africa and Lions for Lambs, shared a heartfelt farewell, calling him “one of the lions” and a dear friend.
Author Stephen King reflected on Redford’s cultural significance, remarking on his transformative role in 1970s and 1980s Hollywood.
William Shatner, James Dreyfus, Colman Domingo, and Marlee Matlin also shared tributes, celebrating his legendary career and lasting impact on film and arts.
Matlin specifically noted that Sundance played a pivotal role in her Oscar-winning film CODA, underscoring Redford’s influence in fostering new talent and independent cinema.
Remembering a True Icon
From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to All The President’s Men and The Sting, Redford’s on-screen achievements cemented him as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors.
Yet it was his work behind the camera, his environmental activism, and his commitment to independent film through Sundance that left an indelible mark on generations of artists and audiences alike.
Leonardo DiCaprio summed it up best: Redford’s unwavering dedication to the planet and the arts made him not just a star, but a true inspiration.
The world has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to shine.