Robert Redford, 89, Screen Icon Who Immortalized Investigative Journalism, Dies

Hollywood icon Robert Redford, whose portrayal of journalist Bob Woodward in "All the President's Men" inspired a generation, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his home in Utah at the age of 89. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes, including one from journalist Alex Parker, who noted on social media, "R.I.P. to the guy who made working the phones in a newsroom look glamorous and inspired a generation of journos.

Redford's indelible performance as the young Washington Post reporter alongside Dustin Hoffman's Carl Bernstein in the 1976 film cemented his legacy, bringing the gritty reality of investigative journalism to the mainstream. The film chronicled the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation, and highlighted the relentless pursuit of truth by the press.

Bob Woodward himself remembered Redford as "genuine, a noble and principled force for good who fought successfully to find and communicate the truth." In a statement to The New York Times, Woodward added, "I loved him, and admired him — for his friendship, his fiery independence, and the way he used any platform he had to help make the world better, fairer, brighter for others." The two maintained a half-century friendship, with Redford having initially urged Woodward and Bernstein to tell their story through the lens of their reporting partnership, which became the basis for their 1974 book and subsequent film.

Beyond his influential role in "All the President's Men," Redford was a celebrated actor, director, and environmentalist. His career spanned over five decades, featuring iconic roles in films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," and "Out of Africa." He was also the founder of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, a pivotal platform for independent cinema.

In his later years, Redford often reflected on the enduring relevance of "All the President's Men," drawing parallels between the political climate of the Watergate era and contemporary challenges. He once told Woodward that former President Donald Trump "doesn’t understand" democracy, making it "easy for him to destroy it." Redford's dedication to storytelling, both on and off screen, consistently championed integrity and the critical role of a free press.