The world of cinema has lost one of its brightest stars. On September 16, 2025, Robert Redford, legendary actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89. The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, triggering an outpouring of tributes from actors, directors, and artists whose lives and careers were touched by Redford’s artistry, activism, and generosity.
Redford’s influence extended far beyond his iconic performances in films like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” and “All the President’s Men.” He was a champion of independent film, a passionate environmentalist, and a mentor to generations of filmmakers. As tributes flooded social media and news outlets, it became clear that Redford’s legacy is as much about the people he inspired as the work he created.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-9378724246417115&output=html&h=280&adk=1696840892&adf=2721299318&pi=t.aa~a.3088032745~i.7~rp.4&w=736&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1759970179&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7855944683&ad_type=text_image&format=736×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fustoday.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com%2Fhong%2Fhollywood-actors-share-heartfelt-tributes-to-robert-redford-ho%2F&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=184&rw=736&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTQxLjAuNzM5MC41NSIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTQxLjAuNzM5MC41NSJdLFsiTm90P0FfQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjE0MS4wLjczOTAuNTUiXV0sMF0.&abgtt=6&dt=1759970179227&bpp=7&bdt=5053&idt=-M&shv=r20251007&mjsv=m202510060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D9528f5b161b94d47%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DALNI_MYOCgawT0JGTZu1P6tdKeSrBEjylA&gpic=UID%3D0000124a8ca0f907%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DALNI_MYmLyA9jyrBT-ObF0LKQDVPS0n7GA&eo_id_str=ID%3D4e353463fa0a9bfb%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DAA-AfjbsBZhqXg5sK1DakF31Pehz&prev_fmts=0x0%2C736x280%2C1200x280&nras=2&correlator=1169041305950&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=420&u_his=1&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=816&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=220&ady=1791&biw=1521&bih=730&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=31095050%2C31095055%2C31095082%2C31095084%2C42532523%2C95370628%2C95370792&oid=2&pvsid=4539387219148436&tmod=1633726317&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fustoday24h.com%2Fhong%2Fhollywood-actors-share-heartfelt-tributes-to-robert-redford-ho%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawNT4s5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQZWhYeUJpTGw0TmhHektPAR4auoj4aGSveBOJYp5koC4H-Pb2yEMcsP22LnMSsb84YJ8wAiMIb3EnQdA2fQ_aem_8knXVBjMq-9L96ly1rHBXA&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C1536%2C816%2C1536%2C730&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&plas=181x574_l%7C204x574_r&bz=1&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&pgls=CAEaBTYuOC4z&ifi=8&uci=a!8&btvi=2&fsb=1&dtd=185
Leonardo DiCaprio: Honoring the Activist and Artist
Among the earliest and most poignant tributes was that of Leonardo DiCaprio, who posted on Instagram: “Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts. His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
DiCaprio, himself a leading voice in environmental advocacy, highlighted Redford’s pioneering role in using celebrity for meaningful activism—long before it became fashionable. At the London premiere of his film “One Battle After Another,” DiCaprio described Redford’s passing as “a very sad day and a huge loss to our community,” praising his trailblazing political thrillers and environmental efforts as inspirational.
Though the two never shared the screen, their parallel careers—each portraying Jay Gatsby in separate adaptations of “The Great Gatsby”—created symbolic connections that transcended time and genre. DiCaprio has often cited Redford as an inspiration for blending art and activism, making sustainability a cultural norm in Hollywood.
Jane Fonda: A Loss That Hits Close to Home
No tribute carried more emotional weight than Jane Fonda’s. Fonda’s relationship with Redford spanned six decades and five films, including classics like “Barefoot in the Park” and “Our Souls at Night.” In her statement to the press, Fonda shared, “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. 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’s Instagram post offered a more intimate reflection, recalling their final film together and expressing regret for not visiting Redford in his last months. “When people are our age, late ‘80s, don’t wait,” she wrote, voicing a universal fear of missed opportunities. Fonda’s honest admission of romantic feelings that never materialized added complexity to their decades-long friendship, suggesting that their on-screen chemistry was rooted in genuine emotion.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-9378724246417115&output=html&h=280&slotname=4704546625&adk=1663716961&adf=2929577717&pi=t.ma~as.4704546625&w=736&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1759970184&rafmt=1&format=736×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fustoday.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com%2Fhong%2Fhollywood-actors-share-heartfelt-tributes-to-robert-redford-ho%2F&fwr=0&fwrattr=true&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&aieuf=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTQxLjAuNzM5MC41NSIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTQxLjAuNzM5MC41NSJdLFsiTm90P0FfQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjE0MS4wLjczOTAuNTUiXV0sMF0.&abgtt=6&dt=1759970177449&bpp=2&bdt=3275&idt=2&shv=r20251007&mjsv=m202510060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D9528f5b161b94d47%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DALNI_MYOCgawT0JGTZu1P6tdKeSrBEjylA&gpic=UID%3D0000124a8ca0f907%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DALNI_MYmLyA9jyrBT-ObF0LKQDVPS0n7GA&eo_id_str=ID%3D4e353463fa0a9bfb%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DAA-AfjbsBZhqXg5sK1DakF31Pehz&prev_fmts=0x0%2C736x280%2C1200x280%2C736x280%2C293x600%2C1521x730&nras=4&correlator=1169041305950&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=420&u_his=2&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=816&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=220&ady=3055&biw=1521&bih=730&scr_x=0&scr_y=191&eid=31095050%2C31095055%2C31095082%2C31095084%2C42532523%2C95370628%2C95370792&oid=2&pvsid=4539387219148436&tmod=1633726317&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fustoday24h.com%2Fhong%2Fhollywood-actors-share-heartfelt-tributes-to-robert-redford-ho%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawNT4s5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQZWhYeUJpTGw0TmhHektPAR4auoj4aGSveBOJYp5koC4H-Pb2yEMcsP22LnMSsb84YJ8wAiMIb3EnQdA2fQ_aem_8knXVBjMq-9L96ly1rHBXA&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C1536%2C816%2C1536%2C730&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CEebr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&plas=181x574_l%7C204x574_r&bz=1&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&pgls=CAEaBTYuOC4z&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=4&fsb=1&dtd=7319
Meryl Streep: Remembering a Lion of Hollywood
Meryl Streep, Redford’s co-star in the Oscar-winning “Out of Africa,” described him simply as “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.” Streep’s metaphor captured Redford’s commanding presence—strength and grace, power and dignity. Their professional partnership was forged in “Out of Africa,” where their chemistry became legendary, epitomized by the iconic scene of Redford washing Streep’s hair by the river. Streep later recalled how she didn’t want the moment to end, highlighting Redford’s ability to turn the mundane into the cinematic.
The pair reunited in “Lions for Lambs,” a political drama that showcased their evolution as artists willing to tackle challenging subjects. Streep’s tribute was rooted in professional respect, with Redford often lauding her emotional intelligence and depth.
Barbra Streisand: Opposites Attract and Lasting Friendship
Barbra Streisand’s tribute, posted on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair, recalled their dynamic on the set of “The Way We Were.” “Every day on the set was exciting, intense, and pure joy. We were such opposites. He was from the world of horses. I was allergic to them. Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other. Just like the characters in the movie, Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting, and one of the finest actors ever.”
Streisand also shared details of their last meeting, discussing art and exchanging drawings—a testament to their enduring creative curiosity. In her memoir, Streisand described Redford as an intellectual cowboy and a charismatic actor who downplayed his looks, admitting to a crush after seeing him in “This Property Is Condemned.”
Demi Moore: Memories of ‘One More Dance’
Demi Moore, who starred with Redford in “Indecent Proposal,” posted, “The world has lost an incredible actor, director, husband, father, friend. Robert’s legacy will live on forever in so many ways, and I will carry the many memories we share close to my heart. What I would do for just one more dance.” The reference to “one more dance” was particularly poignant, alluding to their intimate scenes in the film.
Moore reflected on Redford’s charisma and the raw energy he brought to their collaboration, describing him as “real and really like charming.” Her tribute acknowledged Redford’s impact not just as a professional, but as a friend and family man.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&client=ca-pub-9378724246417115&output=html&h=280&adk=1696840892&adf=4256364682&pi=t.aa~a.3088032745~i.44~rp.4&w=736&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1759970193&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7855944683&ad_type=text_image&format=736×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fustoday.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com%2Fhong%2Fhollywood-actors-share-heartfelt-tributes-to-robert-redford-ho%2F&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=184&rw=736&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTQxLjAuNzM5MC41NSIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJHb29nbGUgQ2hyb21lIiwiMTQxLjAuNzM5MC41NSJdLFsiTm90P0FfQnJhbmQiLCI4LjAuMC4wIl0sWyJDaHJvbWl1bSIsIjE0MS4wLjczOTAuNTUiXV0sMF0.&abgtt=6&dt=1759970179030&bpp=8&bdt=4856&idt=8&shv=r20251007&mjsv=m202510060101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D9528f5b161b94d47%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DALNI_MYOCgawT0JGTZu1P6tdKeSrBEjylA&gpic=UID%3D0000124a8ca0f907%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DALNI_MYmLyA9jyrBT-ObF0LKQDVPS0n7GA&eo_id_str=ID%3D4e353463fa0a9bfb%3AT%3D1759904453%3ART%3D1759970182%3AS%3DAA-AfjbsBZhqXg5sK1DakF31Pehz&prev_fmts=0x0%2C736x280%2C1200x280%2C736x280%2C293x600%2C1521x730%2C736x280&nras=5&correlator=1169041305950&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=420&u_his=2&u_h=864&u_w=1536&u_ah=816&u_aw=1536&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.25&dmc=8&adx=220&ady=4453&biw=1521&bih=730&scr_x=0&scr_y=1566&eid=31095050%2C31095055%2C31095082%2C31095084%2C42532523%2C95370628%2C95370792&oid=2&pvsid=4539387219148436&tmod=1633726317&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fustoday24h.com%2Fhong%2Fhollywood-actors-share-heartfelt-tributes-to-robert-redford-ho%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawNT4s5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQZWhYeUJpTGw0TmhHektPAR4auoj4aGSveBOJYp5koC4H-Pb2yEMcsP22LnMSsb84YJ8wAiMIb3EnQdA2fQ_aem_8knXVBjMq-9L96ly1rHBXA&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1536%2C0%2C1536%2C816%2C1536%2C730&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&plas=181x574_l%7C204x574_r&bz=1&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLDNd&nt=1&pgls=CAEaBTYuOC4z&ifi=9&uci=a!9&btvi=5&fsb=1&dtd=14475
Marlee Matlin: Sundance and the Power of Independent Film
Marlee Matlin’s tribute focused on Redford’s revolutionary impact on independent cinema. “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.”
Matlin starred in “CODA,” which premiered at Sundance and went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars—the first Sundance-premiered film to do so. Her documentary, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” also debuted at Sundance, creating a full-circle moment for her career. Matlin’s tribute highlighted how Redford’s vision for independent film opened doors for underrepresented communities.
Ron Howard: Peer Recognition From Actor to Director
Ron Howard, another actor-turned-director, described Redford as a “tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director and for launching the Sundance Film Festival, which supercharged America’s independent film movement. Artistic Gamechanger.”
Howard listed favorite Redford films, including “Quiz Show,” “A River Runs Through It,” and “Ordinary People,” drawing parallels between their journeys from performers to acclaimed filmmakers.
Ethan Hawke: Champion of Authentic Storytelling
Ethan Hawke’s tribute called Redford “our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling, and fiercely passionate environmentalist.” Hawke credited Redford’s support for the success of “Before Sunrise,” which premiered at Sundance and became a defining moment in his career.
Redford’s mentorship and belief in unconventional talent helped launch Hawke’s and director Richard Linklater’s careers, demonstrating his lasting impact on the indie film ecosystem.
Octavia Spencer: Personal Transformation Through Sundance
Octavia Spencer’s Instagram tribute described Redford as “a storyteller, a visionary, and someone I admired deeply.” She recounted her transformative experience at the Sundance Institute, where she advised for a week and was so moved she wanted to enroll in their intensive program. Spencer’s films, such as “Loose,” premiered at Sundance, and she became a donor to the institute, inspired by Redford’s commitment to nurturing new voices.
