Hollywood Actors Share Heartfelt Tributes To Robert Redford | HO~

The world of cinema has lost one of its brightest stars. On September 16, 2025, Robert Redford, legendary actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89. The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, triggering an outpouring of tributes from actors, directors, and artists whose lives and careers were touched by Redford’s artistry, activism, and generosity.

Redford’s influence extended far beyond his iconic performances in films like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” and “All the President’s Men.” He was a champion of independent film, a passionate environmentalist, and a mentor to generations of filmmakers. As tributes flooded social media and news outlets, it became clear that Redford’s legacy is as much about the people he inspired as the work he created.

Leonardo DiCaprio: Honoring the Activist and Artist

Among the earliest and most poignant tributes was that of Leonardo DiCaprio, who posted on Instagram: “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.”

DiCaprio, himself a leading voice in environmental advocacy, highlighted Redford’s pioneering role in using celebrity for meaningful activism—long before it became fashionable. At the London premiere of his film “One Battle After Another,” DiCaprio described Redford’s passing as “a very sad day and a huge loss to our community,” praising his trailblazing political thrillers and environmental efforts as inspirational.

Though the two never shared the screen, their parallel careers—each portraying Jay Gatsby in separate adaptations of “The Great Gatsby”—created symbolic connections that transcended time and genre. DiCaprio has often cited Redford as an inspiration for blending art and activism, making sustainability a cultural norm in Hollywood.

Jane Fonda: A Loss That Hits Close to Home

No tribute carried more emotional weight than Jane Fonda’s. Fonda’s relationship with Redford spanned six decades and five films, including classics like “Barefoot in the Park” and “Our Souls at Night.” In her statement to the press, Fonda shared, “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”

Fonda’s Instagram post offered a more intimate reflection, recalling their final film together and expressing regret for not visiting Redford in his last months. “When people are our age, late ‘80s, don’t wait,” she wrote, voicing a universal fear of missed opportunities. Fonda’s honest admission of romantic feelings that never materialized added complexity to their decades-long friendship, suggesting that their on-screen chemistry was rooted in genuine emotion.

Meryl Streep: Remembering a Lion of Hollywood

Meryl Streep, Redford’s co-star in the Oscar-winning “Out of Africa,” described him simply as “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend.” Streep’s metaphor captured Redford’s commanding presence—strength and grace, power and dignity. Their professional partnership was forged in “Out of Africa,” where their chemistry became legendary, epitomized by the iconic scene of Redford washing Streep’s hair by the river. Streep later recalled how she didn’t want the moment to end, highlighting Redford’s ability to turn the mundane into the cinematic.

The pair reunited in “Lions for Lambs,” a political drama that showcased their evolution as artists willing to tackle challenging subjects. Streep’s tribute was rooted in professional respect, with Redford often lauding her emotional intelligence and depth.

Barbra Streisand: Opposites Attract and Lasting Friendship

Barbra Streisand’s tribute, posted on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair, recalled their dynamic on the set of “The Way We Were.” “Every day on the set 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.”

Streisand also shared details of their last meeting, discussing art and exchanging drawings—a testament to their enduring creative curiosity. In her memoir, Streisand described Redford as an intellectual cowboy and a charismatic actor who downplayed his looks, admitting to a crush after seeing him in “This Property Is Condemned.”

Demi Moore: Memories of ‘One More Dance’

Demi Moore, who starred with Redford in “Indecent Proposal,” posted, “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.” The reference to “one more dance” was particularly poignant, alluding to their intimate scenes in the film.

Moore reflected on Redford’s charisma and the raw energy he brought to their collaboration, describing him as “real and really like charming.” Her tribute acknowledged Redford’s impact not just as a professional, but as a friend and family man.

Marlee Matlin: Sundance and the Power of Independent Film

Marlee Matlin’s tribute focused on Redford’s revolutionary impact on independent cinema. “Our film CODA came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance, and Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert.”

Matlin starred in “CODA,” which premiered at Sundance and went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars—the first Sundance-premiered film to do so. Her documentary, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” also debuted at Sundance, creating a full-circle moment for her career. Matlin’s tribute highlighted how Redford’s vision for independent film opened doors for underrepresented communities.

Ron Howard: Peer Recognition From Actor to Director

Ron Howard, another actor-turned-director, described Redford as a “tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director and for launching the Sundance Film Festival, which supercharged America’s independent film movement. Artistic Gamechanger.”

Howard listed favorite Redford films, including “Quiz Show,” “A River Runs Through It,” and “Ordinary People,” drawing parallels between their journeys from performers to acclaimed filmmakers.

Ethan Hawke: Champion of Authentic Storytelling

Ethan Hawke’s tribute called Redford “our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling, and fiercely passionate environmentalist.” Hawke credited Redford’s support for the success of “Before Sunrise,” which premiered at Sundance and became a defining moment in his career.

Redford’s mentorship and belief in unconventional talent helped launch Hawke’s and director Richard Linklater’s careers, demonstrating his lasting impact on the indie film ecosystem.

Octavia Spencer: Personal Transformation Through Sundance

Octavia Spencer’s Instagram tribute described Redford as “a storyteller, a visionary, and someone I admired deeply.” She recounted her transformative experience at the Sundance Institute, where she advised for a week and was so moved she wanted to enroll in their intensive program. Spencer’s films, such as “Loose,” premiered at Sundance, and she became a donor to the institute, inspired by Redford’s commitment to nurturing new voices.

Mark Ruffalo: A Letter Never Sent

Mark Ruffalo shared a personal letter he had written upon learning of Redford’s illness but never sent. “You have been a hero of mine. The short time together we had on ‘The Last Castle’ was seminal to me. I felt so safe with you and looked after. I’m so proud I got to work with you.”

Ruffalo credited Redford with influencing his advocacy for environmental causes, mirroring Redford’s work through the Redford Center.

Elizabeth McGovern: Kindness and Professional Influence

Elizabeth McGovern, who made her film debut in Redford’s “Ordinary People,” recalled, “He did my scenes on the weekend so that I could attend the Juilliard School during the week. This was the kind of caring person he was. I revered him then, I revere him now.”

Julianne Moore: First Celebrity Crush

Julianne Moore admitted, “He was the first movie star that I ever loved. It was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence.” Moore and Redford worked together in “Up Close and Personal,” and her tribute captured the enduring magnetism Redford held for artists and audiences alike.

Francis Ford Coppola: Early Memories and Lifelong Admiration

Francis Ford Coppola recounted his early days as a UCLA film student, picking up Redford for his debut film “War Hunt” on a scooter. “Robert Redford was the most kind and generous person to me. My whole life really was spent in admiration for the classy, talented, and brilliant Robert Redford. But most importantly, Robert Redford was an intelligent, sincere, and overwhelmingly good person. And we all have lost a truly great one.”

James Gunn: The Movie Star’s Enduring Influence

James Gunn, director of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, described Redford as “the movie star” and curated a list of favorite Redford films beyond the usual hits, demonstrating the actor’s broad influence across generations and genres.

A Legacy That Endures

As Hollywood mourns the loss of Robert Redford, the heartfelt tributes from peers and proteges alike paint a portrait of a man whose legacy is defined not only by his achievements on screen but by his unwavering commitment to art, activism, and humanity. Redford’s influence will continue to be felt for generations, inspiring future artists to pursue their craft with integrity, courage, and compassion.