Hollywood icon Robert Redford passes away at 89

Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor and director who became a champion of independent film, died at his home in Provo, Utah, on 16 September. He was 89.

Redford's career spanned over six decades, during which he became known for his roles in iconic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. He won an Academy Award for Best Director for his debut film, Ordinary People (1980), and received numerous accolades, including an honorary Oscar in 2002 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. 

Beyond his acting and directing achievements, Redford was a passionate advocate for independent filmmaking. In 1981, he co-founded the Sundance Institute and later the Sundance Film Festival, which became a major platform for independent films and filmmakers. 

Redford was also deeply committed to environmental causes and political activism. He supported various initiatives related to environmental preservation and was known for his progressive political views. 

He is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, and their two daughters, as well as grandchildren. His passing has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, with many remembering him as a talented artist and a dedicated advocate for independent cinema and social causes. 

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