Renowned actor, director, and producer Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his classic good looks and charismatic screen presence, Redford was a leading man for half a century, starring in iconic films like Out of Africa, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men. However, his legacy extends far beyond acting; he was also a passionate advocate for independent cinema.

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The Visionary Behind the Sundance Institute

A key part of Redford’s legacy is his role as an influential supporter of independent films. Using the fortune he made from his acting career, he founded the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival in the 1970s. This initiative helped to promote small and quirky films long before they became mainstream, cementing his status as a champion of artistic freedom.

A Career of Acclaim and Personal Choices

Although he never won a Best Actor Oscar, Redford’s directorial debut, the 1980 film Ordinary People, earned him Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director. He was also famously private, often retreating to his land in Utah to escape the pressures of celebrity. His two most iconic films, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, were both made with his close friend and frequent co-star, Paul Newman.