Robert Redford Dies at 89: Jane Fonda & Celebrities Pay Tribute

Robert Redford left a lasting impression on Hollywood. From his 1970s rise to fame to his hard work as a climate activist and acclaimed filmmaker, there’s no question that the late 89-year-old will be missed. Fans and peers of Redford’s alike are mourning his death and praising him for his personality and his contributions to film. His former co-star Jane Fonda — who worked with Redford in Barefoot in the Park, The Electric Horsemen and Our Souls at Night — was one of the first to pay their respects to the Academy Award winner.

Below, read the tributes from some of Redford’s industry colleagues.

Jane Fonda

“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying,” Jane told USA Today. “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

“Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,” Barbra wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of her and Redford. “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.”

Meryl Streep

Meryl kept her statement short and sweet: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”

Octavia Spencer

Octavia penned a lengthy Instagram post in honor of Redford. She began by writing, “Today we lost a legend. #RobertRedford wasn’t just a screen idol. He was a storyteller, a visionary, and someone I admired deeply, as so many of us did. I’m grateful I had the chance to witness his magic firsthand. I advised at the @sundanceorg Institute for a week and watched how HE was such an important voice in shaping the perspectives of countless emerging filmmakers.”

“After that week, I, the Oscar-winning professional, found myself begging to pay to enter their 12-week intensive because the experience was that transformative,” the actress continued. “Of course, they declined. But Mr. Redford was moved that I valued it so highly. That week inspired me to become a donor, and I’ve carried the impact with me ever since. Through Sundance, he leveled the playing field for new voices to be heard. Our industry is forever changed because of him and because of the filmmakers Sundance nurtured. Visionaries like Ryan Coogler, Cary Fukunaga, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Radha Blank and so many more.”

Octavia also pointed to some of Redford’s biggest cinematic hits. “From Butch Cassidy to Sundance, he blended art and activism in ways few have,” she added. “His quiet strength will live in every frame he directed, every festival he championed and every artist he encouraged. Rest in peace, Mr. Redford. Your story changed us and your legacy will continue to inspire.”

Stephen King

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.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 16, 2025

“Robert Redford has passed away,” the renewed author tweeted. “He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the ’70s and ’80s. Hard to believe he was 89.”