Hollywood icon Robert Redford died on Tuesday at the age of 89. He passed away in his sleep at his home in Sundance, the ski resort in Utah that he had acquired in 1968, renamed after one of his most loved movies, and used as the base for the respected Sundance Film Festival.

Redford wore many hats during his career – actor, director, producer, patron of independent cinema, an advocate of worthy causes, especially environmentalism. Decades before Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, Redford embodied the gorgeous blonde and effortlessly cool movie star who balanced crowd-pleasing roles with more serious, character-oriented projects. His peak was in the 1970s, a decade in which he slipped easily into the politically conscious movies being made by rebels within Hollywood.

Redford wasn’t content with headlining movies. He turned director with Ordinary People in 1980 and helmed a string of acclaimed dramas, including A River Runs Through It and Quiz Show. Redford’s contribution to cinema extended to setting up the Sundance Film Festival in 1978 to showcase independent cinema as well as the non-profit Sundance Institute to support filmmakers through fellowships and laboratories.

In a statement, the Sundance Institute said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity.”

Here are some of Robert Redford’s best-known films – starring him as well as directed by him.

Barefoot in the Park (1963)

One of Redford’s early breakthroughs, in which he portrays a character he had previously played on the stage. Redford is the buttoned-up Paul, who is easily embarrassed by his uninhibited wife Corie (Jane Fonda).

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1965)

Some of Redford’s best-known roles are in buddy films. George Roy Hill’s Western stars Redford alongside the decade’s other heartthrob, Paul Newman. They play outlaws who commit several robberies and then try to go straight. The irreverent and sexy heroes cast a huge influences on buddy movies over the decades, including our own Sholay.

The Sting (1973)

The Redford-Newman pairing works its magic again in George Roy Hill’s crime thriller The Sting. They play conmen trying to trap a gangster through an elaborate scheme that includes disguises, poker and betting on horse racing.

The Way We Were (1973)

Continuing his golden run in the 1970s, Redford stars alongside Barbara Streisand in Sydney Pollack’s drama about a couple deep in love but on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

Three Days of the Condor (1975)

In one of the best-known conspiracy thrillers from the 1970s, Redford plays a Central Intelligence Agency researcher who gets involved with a series of mysterious murders.

All the President’s Men (1976)

Alan J Pakula’s classic, part of his Paranoia Trilogy, is a favourite among journalists, activists, truth-seekers and filmmakers keen on marrying storytelling craft with political messaging. Redford stars alongside Dustin Hoffman as the real-life reporters who exposed the Watergate scandal.

Ordinary People (1980)

Redford’s directing debut stars Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore as a couple trying to cope with the disintegration of their family. Redford won four Oscars with his very first effort, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Havana (1990)

A fan favourite among Redfordians, Havana stars Redford as a gambler in pre-Revolution Cuba, trying to run but then falling for a married woman (Lena Olin).

A River Runs Through It (1992)

Redford directs Brad Pitt – often called his successor – as a brooding and blonde hunk coming of age in 1930s rural America. This film is among Pitt’s early successes.

Quiz Show (1994)

One of Redford’s most acclaimed films stars Ralph Fiennes as an elite quizzer who gets involved in a contest fixing scandal.

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

Redford directs and stars in a romantic drama about a horse trainer with a talent for “whispering”, which leads him to heal the injured teenager played by Scarlett Johansson.

Spy Game (2001)

In movie casting heaven, Tony Scott stars Robert Redford and Brad Pitt as CIA spies involved in a dangerous rescue mission.

All Is Lost (2013)

JC Chandor pays the ultimate tribute to Redford’s ability to command the screen. Redford is the only actor in the survival drama, about a man lost at sea.

Our Souls at Night (2017)

Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox) directs a charming romance that re-pairs Redford with Jane Fonda. They play neighbours who get into a relationship to combat their loneliness.

The Old Man & the Gun (2018)

One of Redford’s final roles, made when he was 82 years old. He plays a gentlemanly career criminal who simply can’t stay away from the game.

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