Robert Redford, born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, is a distinguished American actor, director, and environmentalist. Over his expansive career, he has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Director for “Ordinary People” (1980) and an Academy Award for Best Actor for “The Sting” (1973). In 2016, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Redford’s acting career began in the late 1950s, with notable performances in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969) and “All the President’s Men” (1976). In 1981, he co-founded the Sundance Institute, promoting independent filmmaking, and established the Sundance Film Festival, which has become a premier platform for indie films.
After announcing his retirement from acting in 2018 following “The Old Man & The Gun,” Redford made a surprise return in March 2025. At 88, he appeared in a cameo alongside author George R.R. Martin in the season 3 premiere of “Dark Winds,” a television series set in the 1970s that follows Navajo police officers. The scene, featuring both as inmates engaged in a chess match, was filmed on a closed set at Redford’s request.
Beyond cinema, Redford is deeply committed to environmental causes and co-founded the environmental organization, the Natural Resources Defense Council. His philanthropic efforts and advocacy for environmental preservation continue to influence and inspire.