How Did Robert Redford Die? What We Know About the Actor’s Cause of Death

The iconic actor died on Sept. 16 at age 89.

American actor Robert Redford, wearing a brown corduroy blazer over a checked shirt, in a recreation of The Washington Post’s offices, in a publicity still for ‘All the President’s Men’, filmed at Burbank Studios in Burbank, California, 1976. The political thriller based on the Watergate scandal, directed by Alan J Pakula, starred Redford as Bob Woodward. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Robert Redford, the legendary Hollywood actor known for his iconic performances in films like 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, has died. He was 89.

The news was announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that the actor died at his home in Utah. Here is what we know about Robert Redford’s cause of death.

How did Robert Redford get his start?

Born on Aug. 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, Calif., Redford grew up in the Los Angeles area, though his family would frequently visit his grandfather in Austin, Texas. After graduating from Van Nuys High School in 1954, he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder but was kicked out of college due to his heavy drinking and lost his scholarship money.

He eventually took classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and began working in theater and TV. Redford made his Broadway debut in a play called Tall Story, but he is probably most recognized by theater fans as the original Paul Bratter in the Neil Simon classic Barefoot in the Park.

He went on to a career in film, truly skyrocketing to stardom after being cast opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Redford also had roles in 1973’s The Way We Were opposite Barbra Streisand, The Sting, The Great Gatsby and more. He was also known for his work as a director, and he has received multiple awards, including the Oscar and the Kennedy Center Honor.

When did Robert Redford die?

It was announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, that Robert Redford has died. In a statement to the New York Times, his publicist, Cindi Berger, said, “Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah, the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”

What is Robert Redford’s cause of death?

While no official cause of death has been revealed as of this writing, the New York Times reported that Redford died in his sleep.

What is Robert Redford’s net worth?

Robert Redford was worth an approximate $200 million at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Was Robert Redford married?

Yes, Robert Redford was married twice. He first wed historian and activist Lola Van Wagenen on Aug. 9, 1958, in Las Vegas. They had four children: Scott Anthony Redford, Shauna Jean Redford, David James Redford and Amy Hart Redford. Both of his sons died. Scott unexpectedly died of SIDS on Nov. 19, 1959, at 2½ months old, and James died from bile-duct cancer in October 2020.

It is unclear as to when exactly Redford and his first wife divorced, but he married again on July 11, 2009, to longtime girlfriend Sibylle Szaggars.

He has seven grandchildren.