
Robert Redfordâthe beloved actor and Academy Award-winning directorâhas passed away at the age of 89. Tributes have poured in for âThe Sundance Kid,â including one from former President Donald Trump. Redfordâs illustrious career includes classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the Presidentâs Men, and Out of Africa. He also won the 1981 Oscar for Best Director for Ordinary People.
The news of his passing was shared with The New York Times by Cindi Berger, CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who confirmed that Redford died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah. No cause of death was specified. âRobert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, nestled in the mountains of Utahâthe place he lovedâsurrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed,â Berger said in a statement to CNN.
âThe family requests privacy during this difficult time.â Friends, colleagues, and fans alike are remembering Redfordâs unique impact on film and culture. President Donald Trump also paid tribute, telling reporters on his way to the U.K., âRobert Redford had a period when there was no one better. At one time, he was the biggest star. I thought he was great.â
A Complex Relationship with Trump. Redford, known for his outspoken political views, was not a supporter of Donald Trump. As Trumpâs public profile grew and eventually led him to the White House, Redford openly criticized the former real estate mogul.
In 2015âthree years before Trumpâs presidential victoryâRedford appeared on Larry King Now. When asked about Trump, he said, âHeâs got such a big foot in his mouth, Iâm not sure youâre going to get it out. But on the other hand, Iâm glad heâs in there⊠because him being the way he is, and saying what he says the way he says it, I think shakes things upâand thatâs very needed. Because on the other side, itâs so bland, itâs so boring, itâs so empty.â Trump responded on X (formerly Twitter), âWow! Such nice words from Robert Redford on my running for President. Thank you, Robert.â Redfordâs spokesperson later clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that these remarks were not an endorsement, but rather an observation about Trumpâs disruptive impact.
âDegrades Everything He Touchesâ
In 2019, while Trump was in office, Redford wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post arguing that it would be better for voters to remove Trump rather than relying on impeachment. âIt is painfully clear we have a president who degrades everything he touches, a person who does not understand (or care?) that his duty is to defend our democracy,â he wrote. That same year, in an op-ed for NBC, Redford warned of âa dictator-like attack by President Donald Trump on everything this country stands for.â While he acknowledged it was fair to âgive the guy a chance,â Redford said Trump had undermined the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press. âInstead of the United States of America, we are now defined as the Divided States of America,â Redford wrote.
What are your reflections on Robert Redfordâs legacy and his candid political views? Share your thoughts, and rest in peace, Robert Redford.
Robert Redfordâthe beloved actor and Academy Award-winning directorâhas passed away at the age of 89. Tributes have poured in for âThe Sundance Kid,â including one from former President Donald Trump. Redfordâs illustrious career includes classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the Presidentâs Men, and Out of Africa. He also won the 1981 Oscar for Best Director for Ordinary People.
The news of his passing was shared with The New York Times by Cindi Berger, CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who confirmed that Redford died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah. No cause of death was specified. âRobert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, nestled in the mountains of Utahâthe place he lovedâsurrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed,â Berger said in a statement to CNN.
âThe family requests privacy during this difficult time.â Friends, colleagues, and fans alike are remembering Redfordâs unique impact on film and culture. President Donald Trump also paid tribute, telling reporters on his way to the U.K., âRobert Redford had a period when there was no one better. At one time, he was the biggest star. I thought he was great.â
A Complex Relationship with Trump. Redford, known for his outspoken political views, was not a supporter of Donald Trump. As Trumpâs public profile grew and eventually led him to the White House, Redford openly criticized the former real estate mogul.
In 2015âthree years before Trumpâs presidential victoryâRedford appeared on Larry King Now. When asked about Trump, he said, âHeâs got such a big foot in his mouth, Iâm not sure youâre going to get it out. But on the other hand, Iâm glad heâs in there⊠because him being the way he is, and saying what he says the way he says it, I think shakes things upâand thatâs very needed. Because on the other side, itâs so bland, itâs so boring, itâs so empty.â Trump responded on X (formerly Twitter), âWow! Such nice words from Robert Redford on my running for President. Thank you, Robert.â Redfordâs spokesperson later clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that these remarks were not an endorsement, but rather an observation about Trumpâs disruptive impact.
âDegrades Everything He Touchesâ
In 2019, while Trump was in office, Redford wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post arguing that it would be better for voters to remove Trump rather than relying on impeachment. âIt is painfully clear we have a president who degrades everything he touches, a person who does not understand (or care?) that his duty is to defend our democracy,â he wrote. That same year, in an op-ed for NBC, Redford warned of âa dictator-like attack by President Donald Trump on everything this country stands for.â While he acknowledged it was fair to âgive the guy a chance,â Redford said Trump had undermined the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press. âInstead of the United States of America, we are now defined as the Divided States of America,â Redford wrote.
What are your reflections on Robert Redfordâs legacy and his candid political views? Share your thoughts, and rest in peace, Robert Redford.