New Mexico mourns Robert Redford, lauds impact on state culture and film industry

New Mexico’s governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said she joined New Mexicans in mourning the death of legendary actor Robert Redford.

“I join all New Mexicans in mourning the loss of Robert Redford, whose deep connection to our state left an indelible mark on its cultural and environmental landscape,” Lujan Grisham wrote in a statement.

That “indelible mark”? A career that saw the actor-director and sometimes New Mexico resident star in, produce and direct films in New Mexico, while advocating for the state’s growing film industry.

The governor pointed to the 1988 film “The Milagro Beanfield War,” filmed in northern New Mexico and directed by Redford and more recently his role as executive producer of “Dark Winds.”

“Redford was also a powerhouse advocate for New Mexico’s film tax credit program, helping to spread the word across the film industry about New Mexico’s spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and committed workforce as major assets to filmmakers,” the governor said in a statement.

“Robert Redford will be remembered as an artist, activist, and friend to New Mexico.”

Redford, 89, died at his home in Utah. Redford owned a home in Santa Fe, as well.

USA Today reported that Redford is survived by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, 68, whom he wed in 2009, and two daughters with ex-wife Lola Van Wagenen.

“We are saddened by the passing of Robert Redford,” the New Mexico Film Office posted Sept. 16 on Facebook. “His work as an actor, director, producer, and champion of independent film had a monumental impact on the global film community and on New Mexico.”

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Actor, director and New Mexican Robert Redford dies at 89