With a career spanning more than 60 years, Redford became one of Hollywood’s most enduring and influential figures, starring in classics like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969), ‘The Sting’ (1973), and ‘All the President’s Men’ (1976). As a director, he earned an Academy Award for ‘Ordinary People’ (1980) and helped launch countless careers through his work behind the camera and his founding of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, a cornerstone of independent cinema.
Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford’s journey took him from a restless youth to global stardom. After struggling through school and briefly attending college on a baseball scholarship, he turned to the arts and found his purpose in acting and storytelling. Beyond film, Redford devoted his life to environmental causes and used his platform to advocate for conservation and climate awareness. Even in his later years, he continued to perform, direct, and speak out on issues he cared about. His death marked the end of a remarkable era in American cinema—but his legacy, both on screen and off, will continue to inspire generations to come.
To honor his remarkable career, revisit the roles that defined the "Sundance Kid" as a movie star and beyond. Click on for more.