Renowned Hollywood actor Robert Redford, known for his iconic roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men, has passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Throughout his illustrious career, Redford not only established himself as a distinguished actor but also ventured into directing, winning four Academy Awards for his debut film, Ordinary People. In addition, he founded the Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing emerging talent in the film industry.
Despite his professional success, Redford faced numerous personal tragedies, including the untimely deaths of two of his children. In 1959, his first son, Scott Anthony Redford, tragically passed away at just two-and-a-half months old due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, profoundly impacting Redford and his then-wife, Lola Van Wagenen. Subsequently, they welcomed their second son, David James ‘Jamie’ Redford, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a documentary filmmaker but battled primary sclerosing cholangitis, necessitating two liver transplants.
Jamie Redford used his filmmaking skills to raise awareness about organ donation through his documentary, The Kindness of Strangers. Tragically, Jamie succumbed to bile-duct cancer at the age of 58 in October 2020. His wife, Kyle Redford, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing gratitude for their children and the impact Jamie had on many lives.
Redford’s daughter, Shauna, also faced heartache when her boyfriend, Sid Wells, was tragically killed in 1983. The devastating loss led to Shauna leaving university, with her father providing unwavering support during this difficult time. The incident raised suspicions around Sid’s flatmate, Thayne Smika, who was arrested for first-degree murder but was not charged due to insufficient evidence. Despite the challenges faced by the Redford family, they have persevered through personal tragedies with resilience and strength.