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Stars react to Robert Redford’s death: Demi Moore, Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda and more

Hollywood is saying goodbye to one of its own.

Celebrities dedicated heartfelt tributes to Robert Redford after his death Tuesday at 89.

Some of Redford’s co-stars, including Meryl Streep, Demi Moore and Jane Fonda, shared kind words about the late multi-talented icon.

Robert Redford speaks during the opening day press conference at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Park City, Utah.
Robert Redford at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Demi Moore, Robert Redford in "Indecent Proposal"
Demi Moore and Redford in “Indecent Proposal.” ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore and Octavia Spencer were among the other stars who paid tribute to Redford.

See their reactions below.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep, Robert Redford in "Out of Africa"
Meryl Streep and Redford in “Out of Africa.” INSTARimages

Streep, who starred alongside Redford in 1985’s “Out of Africa,” said in a statement to People: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”

Jane Fonda

Robert Redford, Jane Fonda in a promotional photo for "Barefoot in the Park"
Redford and Jane Fonda in a promotional photo for “Barefoot in the Park.” Getty Images

“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” Fonda, who worked with Redford on five movies including 1967’s “Barefoot in the Park,” told The Post.

“I can’t stop crying,” her statement continued. “He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”

Demi Moore

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A post shared by Demi Moore (@demimoore)

Redford’s “Indecent Proposal” co-star Demi Moore shared a clip of the pair in their 1993 movie, writing, “The world has lost an incredible actor, director, husband, father, friend… Robert’s legacy will live on forever in so many ways and I will carry the memories we share close to my heart. What I would do for just one more dance.”

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Robert Redford, and John Adams at the Natural Resources Defense Council's 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Redford and John Adams at the Natural Resources Defense Council’s 20th anniversary celebration. WireImage

Leonardo DiCaprio honored Redford’s accomplishments in an Instagram tribute.

“Actor, activist, passionate environmentalist, and champion of the arts,” DiCaprio wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of the late star. “His unwavering commitment to protecting our planet and inspiring change matched his immense talent. His impact will endure for generations to come.”

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin at Page Six studio in New York City
Marlee Matlin at Page Six studio in New York City. Brian Zak/Page Six

Marlee Matlin mentioned Redford’s nonprofit organization, Sundance Institute, in her tribute on X.

“Our film, CODA, came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert,” she wrote.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis MSNBC

Alongside a throwback photo of Redford, Jamie Lee Curtis wrote: “A LIFE! FAMILY• ART• TRANSFORMATION • ADVOCACY• CREATION• LEGACY Thank you Robert Redford.”

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo, Robert Redford in "The Last Castle"
Mark Ruffalo and Redford in “The Last Castle.” INSTARimages

Mark Ruffalo, who worked with Redford in 2001’s “The Last Castle,” shared a lengthy letter that he wrote to Redford when he heard the star was ill, but he didn’t send it before he passed. In the letter, Ruffalo mentioned that Redford had a “profound impact on my life and career in so many ways.” 

“This is what a real American Hero looks like,” Ruffalo wrote in his Instagram caption. “A man who brought people together, lived and practiced empathy, and created good and useful organizations that made peoples lives better and included anyone who had an interest. Please remember him well.”

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore, Robert Redford and director Bart Freundlich at Sundance Film Festival 2019
Julianne Moore, Redford and director Bart Freundlich at Sundance Film Festival in 2019. Getty Images

Sharing an old photo of herself and Redford, Julianne Moore said he was “the first movie star that I ever loved.”

“My sister sent me this photo this morning from #sundance – it was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence,” Moore wrote. “#RIP Robert Redford. We will all miss you ❤️.”

Ethan Hawke

Robert Redford, Ethan Hawke at Sundance Film Festival 2020
Redford and Ethan Hawke at Sundance Film Festival in 2020. Getty Images for IMDb

Ethan Hawke wrote on Instagram: “Robert Redford, our ultimate champion of independent film, relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and fiercely passionate environmentalist. Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival.”

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer Apple/YouTube

In Octavia Spencer’s tribute to Redford, the actress recalled that she once advised for the Sundance Institute and “had the chance to witness his magic firsthand.”

“Through Sundance, he leveled the playing field for new voices to be heard,” the Oscar winner stated. “Our industry is forever changed because of him and because of the filmmakers Sundance nurtured. Visionaries like Ryan Coogler, Cary Fukunaga, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Radha Blank and so many more.

“From Butch Cassidy to Sundance, he blended art and activism in ways few have,” Spencer added. “His quiet strength will live in every frame he directed, every festival he championed and every artist he encouraged.”

Ron Howard

Ron Howard at the 18th Annual Hollywood Film Awards
Ron Howard at the 18th annual Hollywood Film Awards. Getty Images

Ron Howard celebrated Redford’s legacy on X, writing, “#RIP & thank you RobertRedford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger.”

Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson at the "Too Much" UK premiere in June 2025
Rita Wilson at the “Too Much” UK premiere in June. Getty Images

Rita Wilson said on Instagram that Redford’s art “stands the test of time.”

“Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival,” Wilson shared. “You showed us the importance of nature. As a director we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal.”

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo attends the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards
Colman Domingo at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards. Jae C. Hong/Invision/AP

Colman Domingo posted an old photo of Redford and wrote, “With love and admiration. Thank you Mr. Redford for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P.”