Celebrity News September 16, 2025
Robert Redford: Streisand, Fonda, Streep & More Celebs Remember the Icon
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Hollywood is mourning the loss of legendary actor and director Robert Redford.
Redford died Tuesday at 89 years old.
Meryl Streep, who starred opposite Redford in “Out of Africa,” told "Extra" in a statement, “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”
Jane Fonda, who worked with Robert on multiple films, told "Extra" in a statement, “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.”
Barbra Streisand, Redford's "The Way We Were" co-star, posted on Instagram, "Every day on the set of 'The Way We Were' 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.The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings. He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."
Demi Moore, who starred with the actor in "Indecent Proposal," shared a clip on Instagram. She wrote, "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 ♥️"
Woody Harrelson, another "Indecent Proposal" star, told "Extra" in a statement, "Redford was one of the actors, along with his buddy Paul Newman, who made me say, as a kid, 'That’s what I want to do.' He lived a private and secluded life, and did tremendous work in the world as an ecologist, humanitarian, and champion of indie films. I was lucky to work with the legendary human, and to get to know him a bit. He was a real gentleman with a great laugh and mischievous humor. I could always see the kid in him, no matter his age. He stands the brightest among a firmament of stars.”
Scarlett Johansson recalled in a statement to "Extra," "Bob Redford cast me in the Horse Whisperer when I was 11 years old. Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story. No matter the reality of the days rush, I always felt he had all the time in the world for our work. Bob created an environment on set that was calm and precious; a place where actors could make discoveries. He was patient and warm and kind. Bob taught me what acting could be, and it was from his generosity and patience that I was inspired to pursue the possibilities of the craft. That same generosity and love of the art inspired Bob’s creation of Sundance, a place where filmmakers learn from one another, inspire one another, and discover one another’s talent. Bob, thank you for your belief in me and for your grace and guidance. You inspired so many artists, me included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful."
Leonardo DiCaprio shared 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."
Morgan Freeman posted on Instagram, "There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with. After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend."
Ron Howard called Redford an "Artistic Gamechanger" on X, adding, "#RIP & thank you RobertRedford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement."
Jamie Lee Curtis posted a photo of Robert and wrote, "A LIFE! FAMILY• ART• TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY• CREATION• LEGACY Thank you Robert Redford."
Mark Ruffalo shared a letter he wrote to Redford about the importance of "All the President's Men," writing, "This was a letter I had written to Robert Redford when I learned he was ill. I didn’t get it to him before the news today. This is what a real American Hero looks like. A man who brought people together, lived and practiced empathy, and created good and useful organizations that made peoples lives better and included anyone who had an interest. Please remember him well." Read the letter here.
Elizabeth McGovern told People in a statement, “Robert Redford gave me my first job in Ordinary People, setting a high bar in terms of a subsequent career. His intelligence, empathy and understanding, not only as a filmmaker, but also as a person have been difficult to match. When we shot Ordinary People, 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.”
Robert Redford, Oscar-Winning Hollywood Legend, Dies at 89
View StoryReferencing Redford’s role as Hubbell Gardiner in the 1973 romantic drama “The Way We Were,” Rosie O’Donnell wrote, “oh hubbell - we will never be the same - goodnight bob - what a legacy ❤️🌹🥲#sundancefilmfestival #redford”
William Shatner wrote on X, "Condolences to the family of Robert Redford. 😔"
Marlee Matlin praised Robert for creating the Sundance Film Festival, writing on X, “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.”
Colman Domingo posted a message on X, "With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P."
Rita Wilson paid tribute, writing, "Robert Redford. Your art stands the test of time. Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival. You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal."
Stephen King shared on X, “Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.”
Kenneth Cole said on X, "Stunned by the loss of Robert Redford — a colleague, a visionary friend, an idol, and a legendary artist. He created @sundanceorg, where countless artists found their voice and audiences found their stories. His legacy has inspired me and so many other for decades and will live on in all of us. Thank you, Bob. RIP.
Piers Morgan reflected on Redford’s career on X, writing, “RIP Robert Redford, 89. One of the all-time great movie stars. A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favourite films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, All The President’s Men. What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss.”