Robert Redford once revealed heartbreaking biggest regret of his life

Robert Redford, the legendary actor and Oscar-winning director, has passed away at the age of 89.

According to his publicist Cindi Berger, Redford died peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday at his home in the Utah mountains near Provo. No cause of death has been released at this time.

Born on August 18, 1936, Redford lived a remarkable yet often difficult life. As a child he battled polio, later struggled in school, and lost his scholarship at the University of Colorado after heavy drinking. While in Boulder, he worked as a janitor at The Sink restaurant, a place he later honored during the 2018 Sundance Film Festival by wearing its logo.

Redford often credited his mother, Martha Hart, for her unwavering belief in him. She encouraged him despite warnings about her health, but tragically died at 40 after complications from pregnancy. Redford said his greatest regret was never thanking her before her passing when he was just 18.

After leaving college, he traveled through Europe, studied painting in Brooklyn, and trained in acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. These steps launched the career that would eventually make him a Hollywood icon.

Despite personal losses, including the death of his infant son Scott and later his son James “Jamie” Redford in 2020, he continued creating. He built a legacy with classic films, founded the Sundance Film Festival, and championed independent cinema.

Redford is survived by his wife, daughters Shauna Schlosser Redford and Amy Redford, and seven grandchildren. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in film and culture.