Robert Redford died at the age of 89 on September 16, 2025. That same day, his representative Cindi Berger told USA TODAY that he died at his Utah mountain home, calling it “the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved”. Before requesting privacy for the family, Bergar also said, “He will be missed greatly.”
Tributes from loved ones and co-stars began to flood social media. However, some friends and co-stars took some time to process before speaking out, and the tributes continue to come in. Here are some touching stories shared about Robert Redford that honor his memory and continue his legacy as an actor, director, environmental activist, and animal lover.
Bryce Dallas Howard shared the connection she and Robert Redford had while working on ‘Pete’s Dragon’
On September 25, Bryce Dallas Howard posted a tribute, explaining that she needed “a moment to find the right words of gratitude”. She went on to recall how they met on the set of Pete’s Dragon. They were playing father and daughter, and their first scene required her to run into his arms. She ran to Robert Redford with such force that he joked that she came at him like a cannonball.
Howard went on to say, “I’ll always remember Bob as strong, and vital, and warm. While filming, we spent hours walking through the New Zealand woods together. He shared his love of geology and why he loved the mountains in particular and how the landscape reminded him of Santa Monica in the 30s and 40s. He told stories of driving across the U.S. as a child with his mother, him driving the whole way at the age of eight and how he still loved to drive.”
She continued, stating, “We talked about moviemaking and family and his love of horses. In fact, on one of his morning drives while filming, he rescued a horse! He could tell the horse was badly abused so he found a sanctuary that could care for it. I laughed every time Bob would tell people, ‘I stole a horse!’ when in reality he saved that horse.”
Howard went on to call him curious, generous, and enthusiastic. She marveled at how “his work as an entertainment entrepreneur, filmmaker, and actor has moved the needle for generations”. Then concluded, “We’ve lost a giant, but Bob’s legacy will always endure. My heart is with his family and loved ones ❤️.”
Hillary Clinton shared how she admired Robert Redford and praised his activism
Hillary Clinton posted an older photo of Robert Redford that captured a moment when the actor was talking to Hillary and Bill Clinton. She wrote, “I always admired Robert Redford, not only for his legendary career as an actor and director but for what came next.
“He championed progressive values like protecting the environment and access to the arts while creating opportunities for new generations of activists and filmmakers. A true American icon.”
Barbra Streisand remembered Robert Redford as one of the finest actors ever
Barbra Streisand posted a photo from The Way We Were. She and Robert Redford starred in the movie that’s now considered a classic. She recalled, “Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy. We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie.”
“Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever,” she said, paying tribute to her co-star. She shared that they had discussed and shared their art with each other the last time she saw Robert Redford for lunch. She also called him “one of a kind” and expressed her gratitude to have worked with him.
Octavia Spencer called Robert Redford a storyteller, visionary, and legend
Octava Spencer shared her gratitude for advising at the Sundance Institute for a week and observed how Robert Redford “was such an important voice in shaping the perspectives of countless emerging filmmakers”. She was so impressed she wanted to join a workshop herself.
She sung the actor’s praises in multiple ways, saying that he was a legend and not just a screen idol. She posted, “He was a storyteller, a visionary, and someone I admired deeply, as so many of us did.”
She added, “Through Sundance, he leveled the playing field for new voices to be heard. Our industry is forever changed because of him and because of the filmmakers Sundance nurtured. Visionaries like Ryan Coogler, Cary Fukunaga, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Radha Blank and so many more.”
She went on to praise Redford for blending art and activism, and she shared her observation of his quiet strength. She concluded by saying how Robert Redford’s story changed us and how his legacy will continue to inspire.
Leonardo Di Caprio praised Robert Redford and his impact that will endure ‘for generations to come’
Leonardo DiCaprio posted a photo of Robert Redford on his Instragram and stated, “Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts. His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”
Jamie Lee Curtis kept her tribute short and sweet
Jamie Lee Curtis posted a youthful, black-and-white phot of Robert Redford. She thanked the star after seemingly posted about how remarkable his life was, full of family, art, transformation, advocacy, creation, and legacy.
Julianna Moore remembers Robert Redford as the first movie start she ever loved
Julianne Moore posted a photo with Robert Redford that her sister sent her that was taken at Sundance. She called Robert Redford “the first movie star that I ever loved”. She also recalled how it “was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence.” Michelle Pfeiffer put hearts as a comment under Moore’s post.
Michelle Pfeiffer posted a brief tribute and photo from ‘Up Close and Personal’
Michelle Pfeiffer starred with Robert Redford in Up Close and Personal, and Pfeiffer posted a photo of the two together in the film. She shared, “Until we meet again, my friend. 🤍”.
Cary Elwes posted about viewing Robert Redford as a towering legend while he was growing up
Cary Elwes posted a close-up, black-and-white image of Robert Redford. He shared, “There weren’t that many towering legends that loomed large in our home growing up as a kid but Robert Redford was certainly one of them.”
Cary went on to share about his family connections to Redford before stating, “When I finally got to meet him he was as warm, engaging and gracious as I had always imagined him to be. To me he is an icon, the likes of which we shall not see again, on or off screen. Our hearts go out to his family, especially Shauna. RIP Bob. Thank you for sharing your art and compassion with the world. 🙏💔”
Isabella Rossellini remembered Robert Redford as the strongest mentor and advocate for films
Isabella Rossellini posted a photo of Robert Redford as the two were seemingly about to embrace. She shared how nothing filled her with more pride than having Robert Redford as the producer of her short film series called Green Porno. She also remarked how having Redford produce it made her feel very well protected.
She went on to say, “Redford is not only a legendary actor/director but the strongest mentor and advocate of films, especially experimental and independent films. He encouraged so many, including me, to find our voices as artists.”
Demi Moore shared clip of ‘Indecent Proposal’ and heartfelt words about Robert Redford
Demi Moore and Robert Redford starred with Woody Harrelson in Indecent Proposal, the infamous romantic movie from the 1990’s. Moore posted a clip from the movie that showed her together with Redford. She stated, “The world has lost an incredible actor, director, husband, father, friend…Robert’s legacy will live on forever in so many ways and I will carry the many memories we share close to my heart. What I would do for just one more dance.”
Rita Wilson commented on the post, saying how much she loved Indecent Proposal.
Rita Wilson shared how Robert Redford’s art stands the test of time
In addition to commenting on Demi Moore’s tribute to Robert Redford, Rita Wilson posted one herself. She posted a color photo of Redford and stated, “Robert Redford. Your art stands the test of time. Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival. You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal.”
Laura Dern called Robert Redford a magnificent hero
Laura Dern posted a photo of a moment she shared with Robert Redford that was seemingly taken on set. She shared, “Thanks to my father, I have met and known some remarkable humans. Today, we lost a magnificent hero of cinema/voice/justice and, our Earth. Thank you, Pop, for letting me have a bird’s eye view to your friendship…and to incredible “Redford”…for all you’ve given all of us.”
Natasha Gregson Wagner posted about the connection between Robert Redford and her mother Natalie Wood
By all accounts, Natalie Wood was a strong force in jumpstarting Robert Redford’s career, and the two had a strong connection. Her daughter, actress and author Natasha Gregson Wagner, posted a tribute to Redford. She shared how Wood saw Redford in a play and cast him ro play opposite her in Inside Daisy Clover and then cast him again in This Property Is Condemned. Her dad later became Redford’s agent, so he was the best man at her parent’s wedding on May 30, 1969.
She recalled how he participated in both the coffee table book and the documentary film she made with Laurent Bouzereau called Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind.
A couple years after that, I once again reached out to Mr Redford through his publicist, Cindi Berger, to ask if he would participate in the #HBO documentary #nataliewoodwhatremainsbehind @laurent_bouzereau and I were making. He was our first ask and he wrote back saying yes.
The interview took place at Sundance and I still remember how the room vibrated with his starry presence. He was generous with his time and his stories about my mom and my dad. He was gracious and handsome and kind. I brought with me a silver box that he had given my mom many years ago. The inscription read, ”For Lady Wood, with continuing affection, Redford.”
Natasha ended her tribute with a sweet nod to that inscription. She stated, “Rest in power, Mr Redford. With continuing affection.”
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