A-Listers pay tribute to Robert Redford after icon died aged 89

by · Mail Online

Tributes have begun pouring in for Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who passed away in his sleep at the age of 89. 

The Oscar-winner died in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Utah, outside of Provo, The New York Times reported.

Redford was one of the top Hollywood leading men for decades, appearing in blockbusters such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men.

He founded the nonprofit Sundance Institute in 1981, which became a staple in the arts world for years to come. 

Redford's former co-star Jane Fonda released a heartfelt statement about his passing.

'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,' she said.

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, who starred in the hit film CODA, shared a heartfelt tribute to Redford.

'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 said on social media.

Tributes have begun pouring in for Hollywood legend Robert Redford , who passed away in his sleep at the age of 89
Redford's former co-star Jane Fonda released a heartfelt statement about his passing

Donald Trump told reporters before heading to the UK, 'Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better. There was a period of time when he was the hottest. I thought he was great.'

Meryl Streep honored her former Out of Africa co-star in a statement shared to Deadline saying, 'One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.'

Actor James Dreyfus shared a poster of Redford's iconic film Ordinary People and said, 'RIP Robert Redford. Terrific actor, brilliant director. Truly legendary.'

Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram, 'A LIFE! FAMILY. ART. TRANSFORMATION. ADVOCACY. CREATION. LEGACY. Thank you Robert Redford.'

Star Trek legend William Shatner said on X, 'Condolences to the family of Robert Redford.'

Rosie O'Donnell shared a photo of Redford and Barbra Streisand from the 1973 film The Way We Were on Instagram and said, 'Oh Hubbell - we will never be the same - goodnight Bob - what a legacy.'

Acclaimed actor Colman Domingo wrote, 'With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.'

Filmmaker Ron Howard paid tribute to Redford on X, calling him 'tremendously influential' and an 'artistic gamechanger.'

Redford was one of the top Hollywood leading men for decades, appearing in blockbusters such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men

'#RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger,' Howard said.

Antonio Banderas said, 'Robert Redford leaves us, an icon of cinema in every sense. Actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Festival. His talent will continue to move us forever, shining through the frames and in our memory. RIP.'

Author Stephen King wrote on X, 'Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.'

Hillary Clinton shared a photo of Redford meeting her and her husband, Bill Clinton, on Instagram.

'I always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next,' she said.

'He championed progressive values like protecting the environment and access to the arts while creating opportunities for new generations of activists and filmmakers. A true American icon.'

Actor and director Ben Stiller shared a picture of Redford on X and said, 'No actor more iconic.' 

Piers Morgan called Redford an 'all-time great' and 'true Hollywood legend' in a post on X. 

He founded the nonprofit Sundance Institute in 1981, which became a staple in the arts world for years to come

'RIP Robert Redford, 89. One of the all-time great movie stars. A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favorite films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, All The President’s Men. What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss,' Morgan said.

CNN anchor Jake Tapper shared a GIF of the actor on X and said, 'RIP Robert Redford.'

Redford often starred alongside many of Hollywood's leading ladies at the time, like Streisand in The Way We Were, and Fonda in the 1967 film, Barefoot in the Park.

The actor began directing later in life and won an Oscar for Ordinary People in 1980. 

He is also credited with transforming a struggling film festival into what's now known as The Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah.