Robert Redford has died at 89; Award-Winning Actor and Director

LEGEND. From acting to directing Robert was in a class of his own. He effortlessly shined on screen as the epitome of cool; without ever needing to dim the light of others. Truly, Hollywood has lost another icon. On Tuesday, the entertainment industry mourned as reports confirmed that actor Robert Redford has died at the age of 89. The award-winning star had a lengthy career in film that spanned six decades.

Redford starred in classic movies such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (which is one of our personal favorites); and “All the President’s Men,” won an Oscar for directing “Ordinary People” and founded the Sundance Film Institute. He thrived in a plethora of roles and relished in the opportunity to help others do the same. The Academy put it best,

“Robert Redford reminded us of the power of cinema, of freedom, and of the artists who risk everything to tell their stories. Today, we remember his words, his life and career that forever shaped the landscape of film.

Across his extraordinary career, Robert Redford was nominated four times: Best Actor in a Leading Role (THE STING, 1973), Best Picture (QUIZ SHOW, 1994), and twice for Best Director (QUIZ SHOW, 1994; ORDINARY PEOPLE, 1980).

He won the Academy Award for Best Director for ORDINARY PEOPLE and received an Honorary Award in 2002, recognizing his contributions as an actor, director, producer, and founder of Sundance.”

Speaking of Sundance, both the festival and Institute added,

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford.

Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world.

Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process.

We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.”

Remembering Robert Redford-The Natural

Nevertheless, when it comes to sports and baseball fans; it is hard to forget Redford’s performance as Roy Hobbs in The Natural. A 1984 American sports drama film based on Bernard Malamud’s 1952 novel of the same name. Directed by Barry Levinson, and starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close as well as Kim Basinger. This cinematic masterpiece is loosely based on a true story, inspired by the 1949 shooting of first baseman Eddie Waitkus by an obsessed fan, Ruth Ann Steinhagen.

Redford’s character proves to be quite a gifted baseball player. Although, his personal life has indeed took some startling turns; he still manages to become a 35-year-old rookie who helps a cellar-dwelling team get back in the game. Great, great movie. If you haven’t seen it, please do.

Furthermore, due to Robert’s fandom for the Sox and portrayal of Hobbs; Major League Baseball released a brief statement due to Redford’s passing. The league mentions,

“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Redford, the iconic actor who played Roy Hobbs in the legendary baseball film ‘The Natural.’

Redford, who was a Red Sox fan, will forever be remembered for giving us one of the greatest baseball characters in movie history.

He was 89 years old.”

Robert Redford has died at 89; Award-Winning Actor and Director

Yes, Robert Redford’s range in cinema is hard to match. He could be hilariously funny, charming and then keep us on the edge of our seats with suspense or tearful drama. He was one of the best and he shall be missed.

However, Redford leaves us behind with a gift. He was the founder of the Sundance Institute as well as the Sundance Film Festival. Thus, helping to provide the world with timeless stories, while supporting artists and storytellers everywhere. Therefore, his legacy will live on firmly cemented in our hearts, minds and movie collections. His work, dedication and films will forever remain a testament of his immense talent; and importance in shaping our society and modern movie culture.

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