ROBERT REDFORD DEAD AT 89

TRIBUTES continued to pour in for Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who passed away in his sleep at the age of 89. 

Despite just winning an Oscar winner as best director for Ordinary People (1980), Redford was one of the top Hollywood leading men for decades, appearing in blockbusters such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men.

Following his death on Tuesday, actors, politicians and fans all shared heartfelt tributes and condolences online. 

Redford's former co-star Jane Fonda wrote: “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. 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.”

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin added: “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.”

Meryl Streep honoured her former Out of Africa co-star in a statement shared to Deadline saying: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”

Actor James Dreyfus shared a poster of Redford's iconic film Ordinary People and said: “RIP Robert Redford. Terrific actor, brilliant director. Truly legendary.”

Current US president Donald Trump and former president Barack Obama also joined the chorus.

He is also credited with transforming a struggling film festival into what's now known as The Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah.