Robert was best known for his roles in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "All the President’s Men", and "The Sting".
His publicist, Cindi Berger, announced his death in a statement. She said he had died in his sleep but did not provide a specific cause.
Robert had a strong Irish heritage, with ancestral roots in Galway on his mother’s side.
He frequently spoke about his love for Ireland and visited the country on multiple occasions.
In 2000, there were many rumours that the actor had bought two adjoining penthouses in Howth. However, these proved to be false.
In 2008, Robert came to Dublin to receive an honorary degree from Trinity College.
Three years later, Robert discussed his affection for Ireland and revealed that he wanted to play Michael Collins before Irish director Neil Jordan made the film with Liam Neeson in 1996.
In "Robert Redford the Biography", Robert revealed that his grandmother – who had an Irish background – was a huge fan of Collins and often talked about him.
Robert Redford in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".
Robert also retained a fascination for the Irish revolution.
Back in the US, he was a huge activist on environmental issues and Native American rights.
After moving to Utah in 1961, Robert led efforts to preserve the natural landscape of the state and the American West.
In October 2020, he voiced his concern about the lack of focus on climate change in the midst of devastating wildfires across the US.
Robert’s son died of cancer that month at the age of 58.
James Redford was the third of four children that Robert had with his former wife Lola Van Wagenen.
James had followed in his father’s footsteps as an activist, filmmaker and philanthropist.
Robert also lost his first child, Scott, from sudden infant death syndrome just a few months after his birth in 1959.
Himself and Lola had two more daughters, Shauna in 1960 and Amy in 1970.
Robert was born in Santa Monica, California in 1936 and began acting about 20 years later.
His influence across the filmmaking landscape is still seen today, after a stellar career that spanned six decades.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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