A Tribute to a Legend
In the upcoming edition of PEOPLE, the extraordinary journey of Robert Redford is honored — a Hollywood giant who sadly passed away at 89.
Key Points to Note
- This week’s cover of PEOPLE pays homage to Redford’s remarkable contributions.
- The Oscar-winning star departed from this world at his Utah home on September 16.
- Beyond his film career, he is renowned for establishing the Sundance Institute and advocating for environmental causes.
It’s pretty much a given that Robert Redford was a sports whiz kid back in high school—he even snagged a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado Boulder, dreaming of hitting home runs for the Boston Red Sox.
However, when reminiscing about his peak moment in sports, Redford reflects with humor, “I’ve got just one. While we were filming The Natural, my character had to hit a foul ball,” a striking moment from the 1984 classic.
He The director granted him a shot, and the result was magical: “The pitcher from the Pirates was like, ‘Do I really have to throw this?’ and I said, ‘Just toss it fast and inside.’ I hit it right out of the park and just stood there, stunned. I was meant to run but found myself thinking, ‘Wow, am I great or what?’” Quite inspiring, right?
Charismatic and with that signature boyish grin, Redford wasn’t just a movie star; he was also a huge supporter of indie filmmakers through his organization, Sundance Institute, and served on the board for the Natural Resources Defense Council for five decades.
In his more private moments, Redford was a loving father of four (two sons, Scott and James, tragically passed before him) and a grandfather to seven. He shared peaceful days with his second wife, artist Sibylle Szaggars, on their scenic ranch nestled in the mountains near Provo, Utah.
It was in that cherished place where Redford passed on September 16, peacefully in his sleep, with family by his side, as confirmed by longtime representative Cindi Berger, who added, “He will be greatly missed.”
With a legacy spanning five decades of iconic roles—from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to All the President’s Men—Redford remained choosy with his roles as he aged. In fact, one of his last films, The Old Man & the Gun, led him to claim retirement from acting, saying, “I think I’m done. But, who knows?”
When he passed, memories of him resonated deeply. Actress Meryl Streep eloquently expressed her sorrow: “It feels like one of the lions has moved on.”
Environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio also praised Redford’s “unshakeable dedication to our planet” along with his immense talent. Director Martin Scorsese called his sensitivity as a filmmaker unmatched.
Even Jane Fonda, a longtime friend and collaborator, mourned his loss saying, “He meant so much to me and truly embodied the essence of a beautiful person. We should keep fighting for the values he stood for.”
Stay updated – sign up for PEOPLE’s daily newsletter for the latest news and human interest stories.
Redford never shied away from using his voice for activism. In 1976, he went to battle against a $3.5 billion coal power project on the Kaiparowits Plateau, even facing backlash from locals who literally burned his effigy.
In 2005, he joined forces with his late son James to create The Redford Center, to entwine his love for film with environmental action and education. His beloved ranch—purchased back in 1961—became a sanctuary, reflecting his dedication to the landscapes he cherished and giving him solace from Hollywood.
“I’m enjoying life deeply,” he mentioned to the Associated Press in 2020, “Returning to my roots, back to being an artist. This is how I perceive the world.”
Even though he often avoided the spotlight, Redford had clarity on how he wanted people to remember him: “It’s about the work. The journey is the joy, not remaining at the top. Once I’m done climbing, I don’t look any further.”
Discover more about Robert Redford and his enduring legacy in next week’s edition of PEOPLE, available on newsstands September 26.
Read the original piece on People.
