ROBERT REDFORD

The silver-screen idol and devoted family man is remembered by loved ones and famous friends

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With piercing blue eyes and matinee-idol looks, Robert Redford was one of Hollywood's quintessential heartthrobs. But his appeal was so much more than skin-deep – he was a creative force, a philanthropist and a family man of principle and kindness who, without fanfare, lifted others up and left cinema and the planet better than he found them.

His passing at 89 sparked an outpouring of Tinseltown tributes, led by his onscreen leading ladies. “Cried all morning,” wrote Jane Fonda, who appeared with Robert in five movies, including their first collaboration, 1960's Tall Story, and their last, 2017's Our Souls at Night. “Luckily, I can think back on so many joyful, laughter-filled moments when his practical jokes would crack me up.”

CHILDHOOD DREAMS

Barbra Streisand recalled the “pure joy” of filming The Way We Were (1973). Meryl Streep, who starred alongside him in Out of Africa (1985), called him “one of the lions” of cinema, while Demi Moore posted a clip from their drama, Indecent Proposal (1993), remembering him as an “incredible actor, director, husband, father, friend.”

Robert died peacefully in his sleep at his Sundance home, near Provo, Utah, on Sept. 16, surrounded by family, including his wife of 16 years, artist Sibylle Szaggars, 68. He is also survived by two daughters – Shauna, 64, and Amy, 54 – from his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen, 86, as well as seven adoring grandchildren.

Family was what mattered most to the star. Asked in 1998 about his greatest achievement, Robert skipped over his endless film accolades. “I’d say, ‘The children,” he told People. “They’re the best thing in my life.”