Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, died peacefully on September 16, 2025, at 89.
Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, he became a Hollywood icon and champion of independent cinema. With his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, he had four children, though they tragically lost their firstborn, Scott, as an infant. Redford leaves behind a legacy of acclaimed films, philanthropy, and cultural impact.
Sadly, Redford had also experienced the death of his other son, activist and filmmaker James ‘Jamie’ Redford, who passed away in 2020 aged 58.
Jamie and his father were the founders of The Redford Center, which “uses impact-driven film and media to accelerate environmental and climate justice, solutions and repair,” according to the website.
Over the course of his career, Jamie directed and produced a number of films, including The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia, and the award winning documentaries Watershed, Toxic Hot Seat and Mann v. Ford.
Robert Redford’s Son James Redford, Filmmaker and Activist, Dies at 58 After Cancer Battle https://t.co/HhFBwFCbdZ
— People (@people) October 19, 2020
Jamie died of bile-duct cancer in his liver. After having undergone two transplants in the past, he founded the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, a non profit organization that helped raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation.
His wife of 32 years, Kyle, paid tribute to her loving husband by posting on Tweeter.
She wrote, “Jamie died today. He lived a beautiful, impactful life & was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. As his wife of 32 yrs, I’m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together. I don’t know what we would’ve done w/o them over the past 2yrs.”
Cindi Berger, Robert Redford publicist issued a statement at the time which said the actor “is mourning with his family during this difficult time and asks for privacy.”
It continued, “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment.”
It is with profound sadness that we grieve the loss of James Redford, our Co-Founder, our inspiration and our friend.
With Jamie came love and contagious joy. He approached everything he did with kindness and warmth, and an openness that spread itself easily among others. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/N3hbOh0ELr
— The Redford Center (@redfordcenter) October 19, 2020
Jamie was having health issues since childhood. According to his IMDb page, he was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a rare autoimmune disease affecting the liver.
Celebrities paid tribute to the incredible filmmaker. Mark Ruffalo wrote, “Damn. This year has cut deep. Another great, sweet, kindly person leaves us.” Kiefer Sutherland described Jamie as “a wonderful writer and a wonderful man”.
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