This is Robert Redford’s Last Role – 65 Years After His Debut

Robert Redford, one of the biggest names in Hollywood, has died at the age of 89. His publicist confirmed that he passed away early on September 16 at his home in Utah. Redford was born in California but later made Utah his home, where his love for the state inspired the creation of the Sundance Film Festival.

Even though he spent most of his later years there, he never completely left Hollywood behind. His career stretched across more than six decades, and his last on-screen role came just months before his death, 65 years after his very first appearance.

Redford’s final performance was a short cameo in the AMC series Dark Winds. The episode aired in March 2025 as the premiere of season 3.

In the scene, he played an unnamed inmate who sat quietly at a chessboard across from author George R. R. Martin, who also appeared briefly. The moment lasted less than a minute, but fans were thrilled to see Redford back on screen, and critics noted that he brought depth and weight to the scene despite its brevity.

Rest in Peace our beloved Robert Redford♥️🫶 #DarkWinds #Legend pic.twitter.com/15kUuP9T1i

— Dark Winds (@DarkWinds_AMC) September 16, 2025

Chris Eyre, who directed the episode, told the New York Post about working with Redford. Eyre said the actor was respectful, patient, and always supported his vision as a director. “I think what he wanted was to give me that right as a director and a filmmaker,” Eyre explained. He also said Redford had always been generous.

For the shoot, Redford asked for a closed set, working only with Martin and a few crew members to keep the scene simple and focused.

The role was a special one for Redford, not only because it became his last but also because he was already tied to the show as an executive producer. Dark Winds, which first premiered in 2022, tells the story of Navajo police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they solve crimes connected to culture and spirituality. Zahn McClarnon stars as Leaphorn, with Kiowa Gordon as Chee.

Redford had stepped back from acting after 2018, when he released The Old Man and the Gun and said it would be his farewell to film. His decision to return for this cameo surprised many, but it showed how deeply connected he remained to the work.

After spending nearly his entire life in front of or behind a camera, it was never easy for him to fully leave. His very first screen credit came 65 years before this final appearance, marking the end of one of the longest and most respected careers in film.

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