Robert Redford's most notable roles, from 'All The President's Men' to 'The Sting'

Redford died on Tuesday morning at age 89.

September 16, 2025, 11:02 AM

Robert Redford, a titan of Hollywood whose career spanned genres and decades, died Tuesday morning at the age of 89, according to his representative.

The Oscar winner starred in some of the most iconic roles of his time, particularly in films that garnered significant critical praise while also achieving box office success.

Tune in to "Robert Redford: The Life and Legacy of an American Icon -- A Special Edition of '20/20'" on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Along with his stardom in front of the camera, Redford made a name for himself behind the camera as a director in the latter half of his career.

Take a look at some of the highlights of the long and illustrious career of Redford.

'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'

Robert Redford and Paul Newman on the set of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Perhaps Redford's most iconic role, the star stepped into the shoes of the titular "Sundance Kid," Harry Longabaugh, in 1969 alongside Paul Newman's Butch Cassidy. The Wild West classic follows two rugged criminals on the lam as they flee to South America.

'All The President's Men'

Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jason Robards, Jack Warden and Martin Balsam on the set of "All The President's Men," based on the book by Carl Bernstein and directed by Alan J. Pakula.
Warner Bros./Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

In 1976's "All The President's Men," Redford stepped into the true-to-life role of Bob Woodward, The Washington Post reporter who broke news of the infamous Watergate scandal alongside Carl Bernstein, played by Dustin Hoffman.

'Barefoot in the Park'

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in "Barefoot In The Park."
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

One of Redford's early iconic roles came in the romantic comedy "Barefoot in the Park," the Neil Simon play-turned-film in which Redford played a New York City husband adjusting to a chaotic new married life.

'Jeremiah Johnson'

Robert Redford and Will Geer playing the role of two hunters in the film "Jeremiah Johnson."
Mondadori via Getty Images

In 1972, Redford returned to the Western genre playing Jeremiah Johnson, who escaped his past as a veteran to live a life of isolation, fending off new threats.

'The Sting'

Robert Redford (left) and Paul Newman in a scene from "The Sting."
Universal Pictures/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Redford scored his first Oscar nomination in 1973 for his role in "The Sting." The crime comedy follows Redford as Johnny Hooker, who is looking to avenge a friend's murder by going after the nefarious man responsible.

'The Candidate'

Robert Redford stars as a US senate hopeful Bill McKay in the 1972 film "The Candidate."
Screen Archives/Getty Images

Bill McKay, played by Redford, is an aspiring California politician running for an open Senate seat against all odds.

'Ordinary People'

Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern with actor and director Robert Redford on the set of his movie "Ordinary People."
Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Redford's success in Hollywood reached new heights when he transitioned to the role of director. "Ordinary People," Redford's directorial debut, starred Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore and focused on the plight of a family working to overcome the tragic death of a son. For his work, Redford won the Oscar for best director in 1981. It also won best picture.

'Quiz Show'

Robert Redford on the set of his movie "Quiz Show," based on the book by Richard N. Goodwin.
Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Redford again took to the director's seat in 1994's "Quiz Show," starring John Turturro and Ralph Fiennes, about a game show accused of wrongdoing. Redford was nominated for best picture and best director for his effort.

'The Natural'

Glenn Close talking to Robert Redford in a scene from the film "The Natural."
TriStar Pictures/Archive Photos/Getty Images

In 1984, Redford veered into the world of sports, playing Roy Hobbs, a baseball player destined for greatness before he has to restart his career from the very bottom.

'All is Lost'

Robert Redford in a scene from "All is Lost."
Before The Door Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock

Redford continued his career well into the 21st century, playing the central character, a man lost in a damaged vessel at sea, in 2013's "All is Lost."

Sponsored Content by Taboola