Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons who later became an Oscar-winning director, environmental advocate, and the visionary behind the Sundance Film Festival, has passed away at the age of 89.

A Life of Triumph and Heartbreak

According to the New York Post and his publicist, Cindi Berger, Redford died peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in the mountains near Provo, Utah. No cause of death was given.

Born on August 18, 1936, Redford’s life was filled with triumphs that few could rival, but also marked by heartbreaking losses that shaped the man he became. As a child, he battled polio, and by his teenage years, he struggled academically. He openly admitted to being a poor student and eventually lost his scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder after turning to heavy drinking. During this difficult time, he worked as a janitor at The Sink, Boulder’s oldest restaurant—a place that stayed in his heart. In 2018, he honored that chapter of his past by wearing a shirt with the restaurant’s logo at the Sundance Film Festival.

Though often weighed down by criticism in his youth, Redford had one unwavering supporter: his mother, Martha Hart. “The one person who stood behind me was my mother,” he once said. Sadly, she passed away at just 40 years old from a rare blood disorder when Redford was only 18. He later admitted his biggest regret was not thanking her before she died, a wound that left a lasting mark on him.

Three years later, however, Redford found love and stability with Lola Van Wagenen, whom he credited with “saving his life.” The couple married young and had four children together. But tragedy struck early in their marriage when their first son, Scott, died at only 2½ months old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Redford later said, “As a parent, you tend to blame yourself. That creates a scar that probably never completely heals.”

A Family’s Pain and a Father’s Strength

Redford would endure heartbreak again decades later when his son James “Jamie” Redford, born in 1962, passed away. Jamie, who followed his father into filmmaking and became a passionate environmental advocate, struggled with lifelong health challenges. After undergoing two liver transplants in 1993, he dedicated his work to promoting organ donation and even launched a nonprofit to raise awareness. But in October 2020, Jamie lost his battle with bile-duct cancer at age 58. At the time, Redford’s representatives said, “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child.”

Despite these devastating losses, Redford remained devoted to his family while continuing to create groundbreaking work in Hollywood. His ability to balance unimaginable personal pain with public success made him one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry.

Hollywood Legend and Beyond

As an actor, Redford starred in some of the most unforgettable films of the 20th century, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. As a director, he won an Academy Award for Ordinary People, proving his talent went far beyond the screen.

But perhaps his greatest cultural legacy came with the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, which became the premier platform for independent filmmakers around the world. His work there changed the landscape of American cinema, giving countless storytellers their first chance to shine.

Even as he achieved legendary status, Redford remained candid about what mattered most. “The hardest thing is when your children have problems. There have been so many hits on our family no one knows about,” he once said, a reminder that behind the fame was a man shaped most deeply by love and loss.

A Legacy of Resilience and Vision

Robert Redford’s legacy is larger than his filmography. He was a visionary who told stories that mattered, a trailblazer who expanded opportunities for new voices in film, and a father who endured tragedies that would have broken many. His resilience, combined with his artistry and activism, defined him as not only a Hollywood legend but also a deeply human figure.

He is survived by his wife, daughters Shauna Schlosser Redford and Amy Redford, and seven grandchildren.

Redford’s life was a story of both extraordinary triumph and profound sorrow, and his passing leaves a void in American culture. His influence on film, his dedication to environmental causes, and his ability to inspire generations of artists ensure that his legacy will live on.