Oscar-winning actor, director and activist Robert Redford passes away at 89

"Redford was a liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema under the name of one of his best-loved characters, the Sundance Kid. Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director and godfather for independent cinema as Sundance founder, has died at the age of 89. Redford died at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved, publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement Tuesday."

"The iconic actor and director is best known for his acclaimed performances in All the President's Men and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Redford made hearts beat faster in romantic roles such as Out of Africa, got political in The Candidate and All the President's Men and skewered his golden-boy image in roles like the alcoholic ex-rodeo champ in The Electric Horseman and middle-aged millionaire who offers to buy sex in Indecent Proposal."

"His wavy blond hair and boyish grin made him the most desired of leading men, but he worked hard to transcend his looks whether through his political advocacy, his willingness to take on unglamorous roles or his dedication to providing a platform for low-budget movies. He used the millions he made to launch the Sundance Institute and Festival in the 1970s, promoting independent filmmaking long before small and quirky were fashionable."

Robert Redford died at age 89 at his home at Sundance in the Utah mountains, surrounded by loved ones. He was an Oscar-winning actor and director known for performances in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men, Out of Africa, The Candidate, The Electric Horseman and Indecent Proposal. He won the best director Oscar for Ordinary People, which also won best picture in 1980. His wavy blond hair and boyish grin made him a leading man, yet he sought roles that transcended his looks and engaged political themes. He used his earnings to launch the Sundance Institute and Festival in the 1970s to promote independent filmmaking.

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