From Scarlett Johansson to Leonardo Di Caprio: Celebrities pay tributes to late legend Robert Redford as he dies at 89

Hollywood just lost one of its brightest legends. Robert Redford, the sunshine-haired Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid star, and the visionary behind the Sundance itself, has passed away on Sept. 16. He was 89.

In the wake of his passing, many of the industry’s most celebrated figures have come forward with poignant tributes, honoring his soaring influence and contributions to film.

Scarlett Johansson, in a heartfelt statement to People, said:

"Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story."

The actress, who starred alongside Redford in the neo-western melodrama The Horse Whisperer in 1998, continued:

"No matter the reality of the day's rush, I always felt he had all the time in the world for our work. Bob created an environment on set that was calm and precious; a place where actors could make discoveries. He was patient and warm and kind."

Scarlet Johannsen went on to thank the late icon for his "generosity and patience," and for inspiring her to pursue her craft. She concluded:

"You inspired so many artists, me included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful."

Barbra Streisand, who co-starred with Robert Redford in the 1973 box office hit The Way We Were, wrote a lengthy and poignant tribute on Instagram.

"Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy. 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."

The singer-actress added:

"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. He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."

For Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Redford's passing was "an incredible loss."

"I admired him very much, not only as an actor, but as a director and environmentalist."

The actor also took to his social media page to honor the legend.

"Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts. His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come."

On X, the Russo brothers (Anthony and Joseph), who are the filmmakers behind the successful Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, paid tribute to Robert Redford.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the incomparable Robert Redford - a true legend whose acting and directing inspired us throughout our careers.”

They added:

“There are very few people who have impacted modern storytelling as significantly as Robert ... and we are deeply grateful for our time with him.”

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Robert Redford's legacy: Celebrating the Hollywood Icon and Sundance pioneer

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, he was the son of Martha Woodruff Redford of Austin, Texas, and Charles Robert Redford Sr., an accountant.

Robert Redford's acting career began with small and guest roles from 1959 until his big break arrived in 1967 through Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, co-starring Paul Newman.

The project was followed by bigger projects, each met with critical successes, such as Downhill Racer and Tell Them Willie Boy is Here in 1969, as well as The Candidate and Jeremiah Johnson in 1972.

In 1973, Robert continued his box office streak on the silver screen with The Way We Were and The Sting.

Robert Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978, alongside Sterling Van Wagenen, John Earle, and Cirina Hampton-Catania. At the time, it was originally named Utah/US Film Festival, which aimed to attract filmmakers to Utah.

The festival would then rise as the biggest independent film festival in the United States.

Robert Redford was an icon, an Oscar-winning actor, director, and producer who flawlessly bridged classic Hollywood romance with sharp, socially conscious storytelling.