Robert Redford—the beloved actor and Academy Award-winning director—has passed away at the age of 89. Tributes have poured in for “The Sundance Kid,” including one from former President Donald Trump. Redford’s illustrious career includes classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s 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. “Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, nestled in the mountains of Utah—the place he loved—surrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed,” Berger said in a statement to CNN.

“The family requests privacy during this difficult time.” Friends, colleagues, and fans alike are remembering Redford’s unique impact on film and culture. President Donald Trump also paid tribute, telling reporters on his way to the U.K., “Robert Redford had a period when there was no one better. At one time, he was the biggest star. I thought he was great.”

A Complex Relationship with Trump. Redford, known for his outspoken political views, was not a supporter of Donald Trump. As Trump’s public profile grew and eventually led him to the White House, Redford openly criticized the former real estate mogul.

In 2015—three years before Trump’s presidential victory—Redford appeared on Larry King Now. When asked about Trump, he said, “He’s got such a big foot in his mouth, I’m not sure you’re going to get it out. But on the other hand, I’m glad he’s in there… because him being the way he is, and saying what he says the way he says it, I think shakes things up—and that’s very needed. Because on the other side, it’s so bland, it’s so boring, it’s so empty.” Trump responded on X (formerly Twitter), “Wow! Such nice words from Robert Redford on my running for President. Thank you, Robert.” Redford’s spokesperson later clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that these remarks were not an endorsement, but rather an observation about Trump’s disruptive impact.

“Degrades Everything He Touches”

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. “It 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,” he wrote. That same year, in an op-ed for NBC, Redford warned of “a dictator-like attack by President Donald Trump on everything this country stands for.” While he acknowledged it was fair to “give the guy a chance,” Redford said Trump had undermined the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the press. “Instead of the United States of America, we are now defined as the Divided States of America,” Redford wrote.

What are your reflections on Robert Redford’s legacy and his candid political views? Share your thoughts, and rest in peace, Robert Redford.