Stars Say Goodbye to Robert Redford: Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda and More Honor a Hollywood Icon

I’m Quinn Parker, and yes, I’ve had one too many cups of coffee, so buckle up because the tea train is leaving the station. An era-defining star has left the building, and Hollywood is ringing with praise for Robert Redford, who died at 89 on a Tuesday. The tributes pour in from a who’s who of A-listers who worked with him, admired him, or were inspired by his towering legacy in film, activism, and the Sundance movement. From Meryl Streep calling Redford “one of the lions” to Jane Fonda crying publicly over the loss of a man who stood for an America worth fighting for, the mood is equal parts reverent and wistful, like mourning a mentor and a friend rolled into one enduring cinematic force.

Meryl Streep, who partnered with Redford in Out of Africa (1985), offered a simple but piercing tribute, calling him a lion who has passed and urging fans to rest in peace alongside a long friendship. Fonda, who shared the screen with Redford in Barefoot in the Park and five other projects, spoke emotionally to The Post, saying she “can’t stop crying” and that Redford represented an America she believes in, a man with beauty in every aspect of his life. Demi Moore, who starred opposite Redford in Indecent Proposal (1993), posted a bittersweet memory on social media, sharing a clip from their film and reflecting on his enduring legacy and the memories they shared. She wrote about the actor, director, husband, father, and friend whose impact will outlive him.

The outpouring continues with Leonardo DiCaprio spotlighting Redford as an actor, activist, and environmentalist who championed the arts. DiCaprio’s Instagram tribute emphasized Redford’s commitment to protecting the planet and inspiring change, underscoring that his influence will persist beyond his performances. Marlee Matlin highlighted Redford’s Sundance Institute, noting that CODA’s visibility was tied to Sundance’s success and acknowledging Redford as a genius who has passed. Jamie Lee Curtis celebrated Redford’s multifaceted life—family, art, transformation, advocacy, creation, and legacy—on social media, paying homage to a man who wore many hats with grace.

Mark Ruffalo’s tribute is a standout, as he shared a heartfelt letter he drafted to Redford when he learned of the elder’s illness. Although he never sent it, Ruffalo publicly posted that Redford was a true American hero who built communities, promoted empathy, and created organizations that uplifted people. Julianne Moore posted a throwback image with Redford and confessed that he was the first movie star she loved, describing Sundance as a formative moment she struggled to maintain composure around. Ethan Hawke’s Instagram tribute called Redford a champion of independent film and a tireless advocate for honest storytelling and environmental stewardship, praising his lasting cultural imprint. Octavia Spencer recalled advising for the Sundance Institute and witnessing Redford’s magic firsthand, stating that Sundance democratized opportunities for new voices and forever changed the industry.

The response across the Hollywood spectrum underscores Redford’s dual legacy as a cinema auteur and a civic-minded trailblazer. From Oscar-winning performances to founding the Sundance Film Festival and nurturing generations of directors and actors, Redford’s absence is felt not just in movies but in the broader cultural fabric he helped reshape. The tributes also nod to Redford’s quieter, more formative influence: the way he blended art with activism, and his insistence that storytelling could drive real-world change. What’s next for Sundance and for the artists who carry his torch? The industry is left to wonder who will step into that leadership role, who will champion new voices with the same steady hand and generous heart Redford did.

What we can be certain of is that Redford’s influence will continue to ripple through the arts, environment, and nonprofit sectors he touched. The celebrities’ words are a snapshot of a man who was more than a star—he was a catalyst for a movement, a mentor to many, and a reminder that cinema can be a force for good. As fans and peers reflect, the question lingers: who will pick up the torch and carry forward the Sundance spirit in a world that keeps changing? Stay tuned, because the answer will be written in the credits of upcoming films and festival lineups that honor Redford’s enduring legacy.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Post, Instagram and Twitter posts from Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Jane Fonda, Leonardo DiCaprio, Octavia Spencer, Julianne Moore, Ethan Hawke, Marlee Matlin, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Ruffalo, and other star statements.
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed (GO)