Robert Redford, 89, passed away in his sleep in Utah on September 16, 2025. Meryl Streep, 76, and other stars are paying their respects to the iconic actor, director, and activist.
Streep co-starred with Redford in the films “Out of Africa” and “Lions for Lambs.” In a statement to Deadline, she said, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.”
Robert Redford’s Words of Wisdom that Meryl Streep Always Remembered
GettyThe “Only Murders in the Building” star was early in her career when she worked with Redford on “Out of Africa”. In 2008, Streep was interviewed by Good Housekeeping magazine.
In this interview, Streep shared the parenting advice that Redford gave her that she has always remembered.
“Robert Redford taught me that when they were babies. ‘They are not your props, ‘ Streep told her interviewer. “I really admired the way he protected his family. It’s something I consciously emulated.”
Hollywood Pays Tribute to the Legend, Redford
GettyMany other Hollywood celebrities have offered tributes to the iconic actor and filmmaker.
Stephen King wrote, “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.”
“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,” wrote Ron Howard on X.
Filmmaker James Gunn wrote this in tribute to Redford, “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.”
“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,” wrote Morgan Freeman.
Sundance Releases Statement on Redford
GettyOne of the many things that Redford achieved in his career was founding the Sundance Film Festival. It started as a lab for independent filmmakers, later becoming the festival we know it as today in 1985.
Sundance released a statement after Redford passed:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend, Robert Redford,” the statement began. “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 US 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.”
How will you best remember Robert Redford today?