Robert Redford: actor, director and founder of Sundance, died at the age of 89

Robert Redford, one of the most important American actors and directors of the second half of the 20th century, has died at the age of 89. According to an official statement, he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in the US state of Utah. His death marks the end of an era that profoundly influenced Hollywood and the world of independent film.

Redford's acting charm and natural charisma opened the way to film roles in the 1960s. His breakthrough came with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kidwhere he played the legendary bandit Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman. The film became a classic and laid the foundations for his worldwide fame. Hits followed such as Scratch (The Sting), for which he and Newman were again hugely successful, or the political drama All the president's men (All the President's Men), where Redford played reporter Bob Woodward. These roles made him one of the biggest stars of his generation and allowed him to combine commercial success with artistic value.

In the early 1980s, Redford also moved behind the camera. His directorial debut Ordinary people (Ordinary People) became a sensation - it won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and Redford took home the directing statuette. This definitely puts him in the ranks of filmmakers who can excel both in front of and behind the camera. In the years that followed, he made a number of films that combined strong acting with sensitive storytelling, including Flower of the desert or The Legend of Passion.

But an important part of Redford's legacy is his work for independent film. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute and a few years later the famous Sundance Film Festival. It has become the largest platform for independent filmmakers in the US and the place where directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh and Darren Aronofsky got the chance to debut. Sundance has thus significantly changed the face of American cinema, and Redford has earned a reputation as a visionary and supporter of young talent.

Outside of film, Redford has long been involved in environmental conservation. He has been a vocal advocate for nature and has supported projects focused on sustainability and ecology. He has received numerous awards for his work in the arts and beyond, including honorary Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and the President's Award for Cultural Achievement.

Robert Redford leaves an indelible mark on film history. His passing closes a chapter that has inspired not only audiences around the world, but generations of filmmakers. He will be remembered as an actor with the heart of a rebel, a director with a flair for human drama, and a founder who gave independent film a new home.

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