Leonardo Dicaprio'S Heartfelt Farewell To His 'Hero' Robert Redford

Leonardo's Emotional Tribute

Leonardo DiCaprio, the acclaimed actor, recently took a moment to honor his longtime idol, Robert Redford, at the UK premiere of 'One Battle After Another' in London on September 16, 2025. Redford, the legendary actor and director, passed away at the age of 89 in his Sundance, Utah home, sparking a wave of heartfelt tributes from Hollywood and beyond.

DiCaprio, who shared the screen with Redford in 'Body of Lies' and stepped into his shoes as Jay Gatsby in the 2013 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby', shared a poignant black-and-white photo of Redford on social media. In his tribute, DiCaprio described Redford as an "actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts," adding, "His influence will endure for generations to come."

"His influence will endure for generations to come," DiCaprio expressed, reflecting on Redford's profound impact on the film industry.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Robert Redford's influence stretched far beyond his iconic film roles. As the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, he created a vital platform for independent filmmakers in the United States. His career, spanning over six decades, left an indelible mark on both mainstream and indie cinema, as well as on environmental advocacy.

Director Ron Howard hailed Redford as an "artistic gamechanger," while Meryl Streep, who starred alongside him in 'Out of Africa' and 'Lions for Lambs', fondly remembered him as "one of the lions" of the industry. Author Stephen King acknowledged Redford's pivotal role in shaping Hollywood during the 1970s and 1980s.

Tributes from Across the Globe

The outpouring of tributes highlighted Redford's cultural legacy. William Shatner extended condolences to Redford's family, while actors James Dreyfus and Colman Domingo praised his legendary status. Marlee Matlin credited Redford and Sundance with elevating independent films like her Academy Award-winning 'CODA'.

Even former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Redford's greatness, praising his extensive filmography and influence. Redford's acting legacy includes landmark films such as 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', 'All the President's Men', and 'The Sting'. His directorial and production work, combined with his commitment to environmental causes, positioned him as a cultural figure whose impact extended beyond the screen.

Redford's passing marks a significant loss for Hollywood and the broader artistic community, but his contributions to cinema, culture, and activism continue to resonate, defining his remarkable life.