The world of cinema has lost a true titan. Robert Redford, celebrated actor, director, and producer, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his stunning looks and magnetic screen presence, Redford was both a beloved Hollywood leading man and a champion of independent film through the Sundance Institute.

Redford died peacefully at his Sundance home in Utah, surrounded by family, as confirmed by Cindi Berger, CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed.

Redford, once dismissed as merely a pretty face, broke free from such labels to become one of the film industry’s most bankable and respected stars over a remarkable five-decade career. His roles spanned passionate romances in classics like "Out of Africa" to politically charged performances in films such as "The Candidate" and "All the President’s Men." He expertly navigated his celebrity, portraying everything from a troubled ex-rodeo star in "The Electric Horseman" to a morally conflicted millionaire in "Indecent Proposal."

In the 1970s, he established the Sundance Institute and Festival, pioneering a movement to support independent filmmaking. His passion for the craft shone through, even though he never clinched the best actor Oscar—his directorial debut, "Ordinary People," snagged Oscars for best picture and director.

Redford is most fondly remembered for his dynamic partnership with the late Paul Newman in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting." Their undeniable chemistry graced the screen, but despite their close friendship, a reunion never materialized after Newman’s passing in 2008.

Though he skyrocketed to fame with the role of Butch Cassidy, Redford often grappled with the pressures of celebrity. He once reflected, "People have been so busy relating to how I look, it's a miracle I didn't become a self-conscious blob of protoplasm." An intensely private person, he relished the solitude of his Utah retreat, away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Redford was married twice, first to Lola Van Wagenen for over 25 years, and later to artist Sibylle Szaggars in 2009. Beyond acting, he leveraged his fame to advocate for environmental causes and maintained a liberal stance, addressing political issues even during the divisive Trump administration.

Born on August 18, 1937, in Santa Monica, California, Redford started his journey with aspirations of being a painter before transitioning into acting. He grabbed attention with works like "Barefoot in the Park" and famously turned down the role in "The Graduate" that propelled Dustin Hoffman to stardom.

The 1980s saw Redford shift focus towards producing and nurturing emerging filmmakers at the Sundance Institute, culminating in a lifetime achievement Oscar in 2001.

Redford remained active until his final days, reuniting with Jane Fonda for the Netflix drama "Our Souls at Night" in 2017. The two shared a playful chemistry, and Fonda recalled their romantic scenes fondly, noting, "He's a great kisser." Redford hinted that this would be one of his last appearances as an actor, preferring to steer his energy towards directing and his first love—art.