Robert Redford: Farewell to a Hollywood legend at Sundance

Robert Redford: Farewell to a Hollywood legend at Sundance

Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away on September 16, 2025 at the age of 89. He died peacefully in his sleep at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah, a place of great personal significance to him as he lived there "surrounded by the people he loved." These details were provided by oe24 reported.

The funeral arrangement calls for a small memorial service that will take place without media presence. His wife Sibylle Szaggars Redford and his daughters Amy (52) and Shauna (64) will be present, as well as his seven grandchildren. The family asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.

A life full of meaning

Robert Redford was born on August 18, 1936 and left a profound mark on the film industry. Not only was he a talented actor, but also a visionary filmmaker who promoted many independently produced films. The exact reason for his death has not been made public, but his fans and the film community know that his influence will live on.

Sundance, which he bought in the 1960s and named after his role in the film Two Bandits, became a retreat where he raised his family and lived much of his life. Redford married twice: his first marriage to historian Lola Van Wagenen lasted from 1958 to 1985. This marriage had three children, with Scott dying as an infant and Jamie, who died of cancer in 2020. He was married to his second wife, the German painter Sibylle Szaggars, from 2009 until his death.

Sundance Film Festival

As founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford was instrumental in creating a platform for independent films. The festival, which began in 1978 as the Utah/US Film Festival, has been running under the name Sundance Film Festival since 1991 and attracts filmmakers and audiences to Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah each year. Through his leadership from 1981 onwards, the festival gained significantly in reputation and became a springboard for many filmmakers, including stars such as Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers, who celebrated their breakthrough there. Many iconic films that became known through the festival, such as “Saw” or “Blair Witch Project”, demonstrate the influence of this event on the film world, which will be felt long after Redford's death.

Robert Redford will be remembered not only for his great films, but also for his tireless commitment to the arts and the promotion of young talent. His vision and commitment to independent filmmaking continues to be shared and kept alive.