We previously reported that the legendary Hollywood star Robert Redford died in his sleep at his home in Utah on Tuesday. He was 89 years-old.
Redford’s former co-star Jennifer Lopez is presently speaking out to reveal just how “heartbroken” she is over the Oscar-winning Hollywood icon’s passing.
Lopez Pays Tribute To Redford
Hours after Redford’s death was announced, Lopez took to her Instagram Story to honor him.
“Heartbroken to hear of Robert Redford’s passing,” Lopez wrote. “Working with him on An Unfinished Life was such a gift … his kindness, wisdom, and artistry touched everyone around him and will for generations to come.”
Many fans may not remember that Lopez, 56, previously starred with Redford in the the 2005 movie An Unfinished Life. They were the leads in this movie alongside Morgan Freeman, Josh Lucas, Camryn Manheim, Damian Lewis and Becca Gardner.
“Desperate to provide care for her daughter, down-on-her-luck Jean moves in with her father in-law from whom she is estranged,” the film’s official IMDB synopsis reads. “Through time, they learn to forgive each other and heal old wounds.”
Freeman, 88, who starred in An Unfinished Life as well, also took to social media to honor Redford.
“There are certain people you know that you’re going to click with,” Freeman wrote. “After working with Robert Redford on Brubaker in 1980, we instantly became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true. Rest peacefully, my friend.”
Redford Loved Playing This Role
Redford was certainly open about enjoying his time playing a no-nonsense Wyoming rancher in this movie. Indeed, the role was a challenge for him, as he had to tap into a new side of himself to channel the anger and frustration that the character was feeling.
“You have to go someplace and get in touch with it,” Redford said in a 2005 interview. “You can’t put those kinds of words on the screen without some kind of reference. It would be impossible. It wouldn’t make any sense. I know that territory, by association, not necessarily personal experience, but by association.”
When asked what it was like to play this rugged character, Redford replied, “It was great. I know those guys in the west, and they’re not exclusive to the west. You can find them other places in the country, who are embittered by some experience they couldn’t get beyond.”
“And the issue above everything was forgiveness,” he later added. “And the idea of playing a crusty guy who’d gone to seed after having played a rancher, who was healthy and took care of horses, good guy, and solid, was very appealing.”
The world was devastated when Redford’s death was announced on Tuesday morning.
“Robert Redford passed away on Sept. 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” Cindi Berger, chairman and CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK, told People Magazine. “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”
Redford reportedly died at his home, which is located right outside of Provo, Utah. Berger later confirmed to The New York Times that he died in his sleep.
Lopez Garnering Oscar Buzz
Meanwhile, Lopez is already garnering Oscar buzz for her new movie Kiss of the Spider Woman, which hits theaters next month. It was announced this week that Lopez will be competing in the Best Supporting Actress category during this awards season.
“I had never seen Kiss of the Spider Woman onstage,” Lopez recently told Extra. “I had never seen the movies from the ’80s… When I read it, I was just like, ‘I can’t believe I was laughing. I was crying, I was reading it out loud, and I knew it was something like I had been waiting for my whole life, a role like this.”
After a difficult year that included a divorce from Ben Affleck, this role has improved Lopez’s mindset significantly.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Lopez continued. “The reason I even wanted to be in this business is because my mom would sit me in front of the TV and [West Side Story] would come on once a year. I was mesmerized and was like, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ This is the first time I actually got to do it.”
Check out a trailer for Kiss of the Spider Woman in the video below.
Redford was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for his family and friends as they continue to mourn him!