Robert Redford at a Glance
Robert Redford is an American actor, director, producer, and entrepreneur born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. As of 2025, he is 89 years old and remains active in film, environmental advocacy, and philanthropy through the Sundance Institute. This profile provides verified milestones, career context, and factual comparisons to support long-term informational needs without reliance on transient news cycles.
Key Facts and Verified Milestones
The following table summarizes core, source-backed attributes that are stable reference points for Redford’s public life and career.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Redford | Official biographies |
| Date of Birth | August 18, 1936 | Public records and studio press kits |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California, United States | Reputable biographies |
| Primary Occupations | Actor, director, producer, entrepreneur | Industry credits and institutional records |
| Notable Company | Sundance Institute and Resort | Organization websites and IRS filings |
| Age in 2023 | 87 years old | Age calculation from birth date |
| Age in 2024 | 88 years old | Age calculation from birth date |
| Age in 2025 | 89 years old | Age calculation from birth date |
Career Overview and Context
Redford first gained recognition as an actor in the early 1960s before transitioning into directing and producing landmark American films. His directing debut, Ordinary People (1980), earned the Academy Award for Best Picture and established a reputation for thoughtful, character-driven work. Other notable directorial credits include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and Out of Africa. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to support independent artists and later developed the Sundance Mountain Resort as a hub for creativity and conservation.
Acting Highlights
As an actor, Redford appeared in iconic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Graduate, and All the President’s Men. His nuanced performances helped define the modern leading man and often centered themes of personal integrity and social ambivalence. These roles remain widely referenced in film curricula and retrospectives.
Directing and Producing Legacy
Redford’s directorial filmography reflects consistent engagement with American themes and formal craft. He frequently collaborated with writers and cinematographers to balance narrative clarity with visual restraint. His producing work through Sundance Pictures supported a generation of distinctive voices, reinforcing his influence beyond front-of-camera roles.
The Sundance Institute and Environmental Advocacy
The Sundance Institute has been central to Redford’s legacy, offering labs, grants, and festivals that nurture independent storytelling. By prioritizing emerging and diverse voices, the Institute has shaped independent cinema for decades. Redford has also been a vocal advocate for environmental protection and sustainable land use, aligning his personal practices with institutional missions around conservation.
Personal Life and Background
Redford’s personal history includes periods of reflection and selective privacy. He has been married twice and has raised a family while maintaining a low public profile regarding domestic matters. His educational path included time at the University of Colorado and the Neighborhood Playhouse, where he honed skills that informed his later directorial eye. These details are drawn from vetted biographies that distinguish between documented fact and broader interpretation.
Cultural Influence and Industry Impact
Redford’s influence extends beyond individual films to industry structures and audience expectations. Sundance created a template for festival-driven discovery that many institutions now emulate. His combination of star power and behind-the-camera control demonstrated that actors could successfully pivot into authorship and entrepreneurship, reshaping career pathways in Hollywood and beyond.
Current Status and Ongoing Relevance
Though Redford has scaled back public appearances, he continues to support storytelling through governance roles at Sundance and selective mentorship. His age is a natural reflection of his birth year, yet his work remains relevant through archival presence and institutional stewardship. This profile is designed to resist obsolescence by focusing on durable contributions rather than momentary headlines.
Quick Comparison: Key Career Milestones
- 1936: Birth in Santa Monica, California
- 1960s: Breakthrough acting roles in New Hollywood cinema
- 1980: Directorial debut with Ordinary People, wins Best Picture
- 1981: Foundational year for the Sundance Institute
- 1990s–2000s: Continued directing, producing, and advocacy
- 2020s: Ongoing stewardship of Sundance and environmental work
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about Robert Redford, grounded in verifiable context.
- How old is Robert Redford? As of 2025, he is 89 years old, calculated from his birth date of August 18, 1936.
- What is he best known for? He is best known for iconic acting roles and directing classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Ordinary People, and The Sting, as well as founding the Sundance Institute.
- Does he still work in film? He maintains involvement through Sundance stewardship, selective mentorship, and archival presence, though his public screen appearances have decreased.
- Where was he born? He was born in Santa Monica, California, United States.
- What causes does he support? He has been a consistent advocate for environmental conservation and independent storytelling, largely channeled through the Sundance Institute.
Conclusion
This profile of Robert Redford emphasizes durable facts, transparent sourcing, and career context that remains useful over time. By focusing on verified milestones and institutional impact, readers can understand his significance without reliance on transient events or speculative commentary.