Utah: The Oscar-winning star of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Out of Africa passed away in his sleep at his home in Utah on Tuesday.

Redford’s death was confirmed by Cindi Berger, chief executive of Rogers & Cowan PMK, who said the star died “peacefully in his sleep.” No immediate cause of death was disclosed.

Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before launching his career on Broadway in Tall Story (1959) and later in Barefoot in the Park (1963), a role he reprised in the film adaptation alongside Jane Fonda. His early television work included appearances on The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The Untouchables.

His breakout came in 1969 when he starred as the Sundance Kid opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Throughout the 1970s, Redford became a defining figure of American cinema, pairing his charisma with critically acclaimed performances.

He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in The Sting (1973), won Best Director for Ordinary People (1980), and later received another directing nod for Quiz Show (1994).

Beyond acting and directing, Redford was a passionate advocate for independent cinema, founding the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, which nurtured generations of filmmakers and transformed the independent film industry.