Refresh for updates…Barbra Streisand is paying tribute to her late co-star Robert Redford, writing in part on Instagram, “Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,”… Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever.as exciting, intense and pure joy.”
See Streisand’s full statement below, along with many others.
Leonardo DiCaprio is adding his voice in praise of the late Robert Redford, noting, part, “His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
In a statement, Jane Fonda also paid tribute to Redford, who died Tuesday at 89. The two were frequent co-stars (Barefoot in the Park, The Chase, The Electric Horseman and Our Souls At Night) – and lifelong friends.
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” Fonda said in the statement provided to news outlets. “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.”
Meryl Streep also honored her Out of Africa co-star, saying in a statement, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
Streep’s was just one of many tributes to the Hollywood and indie film icon that began arriving with news of Redford’s death today at 89, and will no doubt continue throughout the day.
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, said in a statement: “In addition to being a titanic acting and directing talent, as an early board member of the Sundance Institute, I saw first-hand the Sundance Kid’s passionate commitment to indie film and young artists. Robert Redford truly gave back. The entire scope of American film would have been much poorer without him. An amazing legacy of an amazing man.”
The Sundance Institute said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.”
The Cannes Film Festival also weighed in Tuesday: “Forever Robert Redford. Forever the cowboy, the escapee, the candidate, the prisoner, the Great Gatsby, the con man, the student, the playboy, the loner, the cryptographer, the military man, the reporter, the rodeo champion, the lover, the baseball star, the sailor, the horse whisperer… More than 70 roles, nine directed films, the founding of the Sundance Independent Film Festival. And throughout a life dedicated to cinema, an unparalleled elegance in his art, his commitments, and his struggles. Redford was more than a myth: he was a role model. Forever Robert Redford, an electric horseman in love with freedom.”
On The View today, moderator Whoopi Goldberg started the show by sharing news of Redford’s death with an audibly surprised audience, then led a panel discussion about favorite movies from the actor’s career. Among the many films mentioned, Goldberg noted a favorite Twilight Zone episode from 1962 titled “Nothing in the Dark,” in which Redford played the personification of death. Behar praised the romance classic The Way We Were, as well as Three Days of the Condor.
“I was really struck by his work on climate change,” co-host Sunny Hostin said. “He knew that it would be a problem before many people were paying attention. That says something about caring for the world that he would leave behind.”
Also remembering Redford today was Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who wrote on social media of Redford’s impact on the state with the Sundance Film Festival: “Decades ago, Robert Redford came to Utah and fell in love with this place. He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity. Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world. Today we honor his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”
President Donald Trump, told of Redford’s passing while speaking to reporters before his visit to the UK, said, “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.”
Hillary Clinton also paid tribute to Redford, writing on social media that she “always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next. 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.”
Others also paid tribute:
Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter: “With Bob’s passing, we have lost an incomparable director, actor, and independent film icon. Bob’s masterful directorial debut in 1980 with Ordinary People, for which he won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film, not only catapulted his career as a director, but also showcased his ability to rouse powerful, resonant performances from his actors,” said DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter. “He proved himself a master time and time again with such modern classics as The River Runs Through It, Quiz Show, for which he earned a DGA Award nomination in 1994, and Lions for Lambs.
“Bob was also a passionate advocate,” Glatter continued, “always searching for ways to support filmmakers and bolster the craft of storytelling. His establishment of the Sundance Institute over 40 years ago embodies his legacy of giving back – shaping the landscape of independent filmmaking and paving the way for more diverse voices to be heard. And through his decades-long stewardship of the Sundance Film Festival, he advanced a showcase where independent film could truly thrive. He was a strong believer in film preservation through his service on the Board of Directors for The Film Foundation. He was also deeply involved in the DGA’s political action committee and in helping steer its legislative efforts. A member since 1979, the entire DGA community mourns Bob’s passing and is forever grateful for his efforts in supporting generations of new filmmakers. We will miss him dearly.”
“Our film, Coda, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance,” wrote Marlee Matlin on X. “And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed.”
“What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss,” wrote Piers Morgan.
Film at Lincoln Center called Redford “a true icon of the silver screen, a tireless champion of up-and-coming film artists…”
Joan Van Ark wrote: “Many years ago, when some of us were just starting our careers, a few of us were blessed to be directed by Mike Nichols in a play called Barefoot in the Park on Broadway. I played the bride, Corie Bratter. The husband, Paul Bratter, was played by a young actor named Robert Redford. From that moment on, he became an icon, going on to greatness as an actor’s actor, a director’s director.”
From Stefanie Powers: “His passion for the environment and for giving back to the industry that had given him so much was in its infancy and he brought that passion to great heights. I loved his work as an actor, and I applaud his work as an environmentalist. He will be missed on both accounts.”
Said Hank Garrett: “One of the best and nicest men I ever had the good fortune to work. Our fight scene in Three Days of the Condor is still listed as one of the best ever done on screen. Robert and I shared a mutual pride in this accomplishment, and remained good friends over the years.”
Deadline will update this post as more tributes arrive…
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.
Nos deja Robert Redford, un icono del cine con mayúsculas.… pic.twitter.com/exQP88HgbS
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) September 16, 2025
I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace. He was THE movie star, and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Robert. If you want to watch a Redford movie that isn’t the Sting or Butch Cassidy, here are ten I love:
Three Days of the Condor… pic.twitter.com/ZrkZffzRH3
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 16, 2025
There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true.
Rest peacefully, my friend. pic.twitter.com/gYEgi8YiFt
— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) September 16, 2025
#RIP & thank you RobertRedford, 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 https://t.co/HswHhmWq2D
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) September 16, 2025
Decades ago, Robert Redford came to Utah and fell in love with this place. He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity. Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world.
Today we honor his… pic.twitter.com/KxsHoDXour
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) September 16, 2025
❤️ Rest in peace to Robert Redford (1936-2025), a true icon of the silver screen, a tireless champion of up-and-coming film artists, and Film at Lincoln Center’s 42nd Chaplin Award Gala recipient in 2015. pic.twitter.com/AxkAisVdRu
— Film at Lincoln Center (@FilmLinc) September 16, 2025
RIP Robert Redford, 89.
One of the all-time great movie stars. A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favourite 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. pic.twitter.com/UxImhSfDVh
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 16, 2025
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.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 16, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/nwttVD1GvL
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) September 16, 2025
Few people did more in their lifetimes to contribute to American society than Robert Redford. In areas ranging from film to environmentalism to politics, he used his enormous power to help create a better world.
May he rest in unending bliss.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) September 16, 2025
Amid so much global sadness and violence, let us remember a man, an actor, an activist: Robert Redford, who spent his whole career digging deep and making us think. pic.twitter.com/FRgRtzDkno
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) September 16, 2025