
Hollywood Mourns the Legend: Robert Redford Remembered as One of the All-Time Greats
2025-09-17
Author: Wai
Barbra Streisand has paid heartfelt tribute to the iconic Robert Redford, praising him as "one of the finest actors ever" following his passing at 89.
Redford died peacefully at Sundance, the beloved location in Utah that he cherished, surrounded by loved ones. Streisand reflected on their collaboration in the 1973 classic, The Way We Were, sharing a nostalgic post on Instagram.
"Every day on set was filled with excitement and joy," she recalled. "Though we were opposites—he was a horseman, and I was allergic—we constantly sought to understand each other, much like our characters in the film. Bob was charismatic, intelligent, and undeniably one of the finest actors of our time."
The film, a beautiful romantic drama, not only captivated audiences but also gave rise to the iconic theme song that earned an Academy Award nomination.
Streisand's touching tribute joins a chorus of remembrances from Hollywood and beyond, highlighting the profound impact Redford had on those who knew him. Meryl Streep, who starred alongside him in Out of Africa, expressed her grief: "One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend."
Jane Fonda, who worked with Redford on multiple projects, shared her heartbreak, saying, "I can’t stop crying. He was a beautiful person in every way and represented an America we must continue to fight for."
Film director Martin Scorsese, who was directed by Redford in Quiz Show, stated, "Bob was a unique artist who changed American cinema forever, contributing something irreplaceable with Sundance. It saddens me to know I won’t see him again—I'll cherish the memories."
Ethan Hawke called him the "ultimate champion of independent film" and a passionate advocate for authentic storytelling, while Leonardo DiCaprio emphasized the enormous loss, praising Redford’s contributions to both acting and environmental advocacy.
Morgan Freeman shared his fond memories of working with Redford in Brubaker and An Unfinished Life, calling their instant friendship a dream come true. Journalist Bob Woodward, who Redford famously portrayed in All the President’s Men, said, "He will be remembered as one of the greatest storytellers in our country’s history."
Samuel L. Jackson, who had the honor of sharing the screen with Redford, expressed how meeting one’s heroes can sometimes exceed expectations, while Hillary Clinton reflected on Redford’s dedication to progressive values.
Scarlett Johansson, who starred in The Horse Whisperer, described him as "patient and kind," crediting his mentorship as a pivotal influence in her own acting journey. Ron Howard called him an "artistic game changer. "
Robert Redford leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances in films like The Sting, All the President’s Men, and Spy Game, and his visionary role in founding the Sundance Film Festival has solidified him as a pioneer of independent cinema.