Hollywood icon Robert Redford dies at 89

Robert Redford, the Hollywood golden boy who became an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema under the name of Sundance, one of his best-loved characters, died on Tuesday at 89.

Redford died “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved”, publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement.

After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Redford was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s with such films as All the President’s Men and The Way We Were, capping that decade with the best director Oscar for 1980’s Ordinary People, which also won best picture in 1980.

His wavy blond hair and boyish grin made him the most desired of leading men, but he worked hard to transcend his looks, whether through his political advocacy, his willingness to take on unglamorous roles or his dedication to providing a platform for low-budget films.

Redford died in his sleep and a specific cause was not given, according to Berger, the chief executive of publicity firm Rogers & Cowan PMK, The New York Times said.

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