Leonardo DiCaprio Honors Robert Redford: From Gatsby to Environmental Advocacy
ROBERT REDFORD: HOLLYWOOD'S GREATEST LEGEND PASSES ON AT 89
The news has just broken that the one and only Robert Redford, a Hollywood icon, has left this mortal coil at the ripe age of 89. The legendary actor, director, and environmentalist died peacefully in his home at Sundance, Utah, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains he loved so much.
As tributes pour in from all corners of the entertainment industry, we take a look back at the incredible life and career of this beloved star. From his early days as a young actor to his rise to stardom with films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Redford's impact on Hollywood is still felt today.
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Leonardo DiCaprio, a longtime friend of Redford's, took to social media to share his condolences. "Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts," he began, sharing an old black and white photo of the two actors side by side. "His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come."
It's no secret that DiCaprio and Redford shared a special bond on screen as well as off. The two played iconic roles in Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," with Redford taking on the role of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby in 1974, while DiCaprio starred as the same character nearly three decades later.
TRUMP PAYS RESPECTS TO REDFORD: 'HE HAD A SERIES OF YEARS WHERE THERE WAS NOBODY BETTER'
The news has also made its way to the White House, where President Donald Trump paid his respects to Redford's legacy. "Well, it's a good way to go, I guess," he told Reuters when asked about Redford's passing. "Robert Redford was great. He had a series of years where there was nobody better."
When pressed for his favorite Redford film, the President couldn't narrow it down to just one. "You have a lot of them," he said with a smile. "He made seven or eight great films. There was a period when he was the hottest."
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Redford's passing has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with many of his colleagues and contemporaries taking to social media to pay their respects.
Ron Howard, director of "A Beautiful Mind," called Redford an "artistic gamechanger." "RIP and thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director and for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America's Independent Film movement."
Meryl Streep, who starred opposite Redford in 1985's "Out of Africa" and 2007's "Lions for Lambs," shared a heartfelt tribute. "One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend."
Author Stephen King reflected on Redford's impact on the movie industry. "Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and excited Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89."
Star Trek icon William Shatner offered his condolences to Redford's family, while James Dreyfus dubbed him "truly legendary." Colman Domingo thanked Redford for his "everlasting impact" on the movie industry.
Marlee Matlin, star of the Academy Award-winning film "CODA," shared a touching tribute. "Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert Redford."
Redford's legacy will live on through his many iconic films, including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "All the President's Men," and "The Sting." His impact on Hollywood will be felt for generations to come.
As we say goodbye to this beloved legend, we take a moment to remember his incredible contributions to cinema. Robert Redford may be gone, but his spirit will live on in our hearts forever.