Robert Redford is an American actor, film director, producer, and environmental activist—one of the most influential figures in Hollywood from the 1960s onward. Key points about him: Born: August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California Career highlights (actor): Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) The Sting (1973) All the President’s Men (1976) The Natural (1984) As Won the Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People (1980) Founder of Sundance: Created the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, which became the most important platform for independent filmmakers in the U.S. Activism: Longtime advocate for environmental protection, conservation, and Native American rights Redford is known for combining mainstream success with strong support for independent cinema, shaping modern filmmaking well beyond his acting roles. Painted and signed by artist.