Amy Redford is opening up about growing up with her legendary father, Robert Redford, and the values he instilled in her before his death at age 89.
The 55-year-old spoke on Today Monday, Jan. 19, sharing memories of the Oscar winner and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, who died at his home in Sundance, Utah, on Sept. 16, 2025.
At a Glance
- Amy Redford described her father as “playful and curious and kind” during a Today show interview
- The 2026 Sundance Film Festival, beginning Jan. 22, marks the first since Robert Redford’s death
- Amy emphasized her father’s belief in using his platform to “change the world” through storytelling
- She publicly criticized AI-generated tributes of her father as “fabrications” in September
Why it matters: Amy’s reflections offer a rare, intimate look at the personal philosophy behind one of Hollywood’s most influential figures as the festival he created moves forward without him.
A Father’s Core Values
“He was playful and curious and kind,” Amy told News Of Los Angeles. “And I think what he taught us to do is really find the thing that we’re most passionate about and the things that we think might be able to change the world.”
She credited her father with raising the family between New York City and the mountains of Sundance, a dual upbringing she considers his greatest gift.
“The best thing I think he did for my family was raise us between New York City and the mountains of Sundance, because we got to live between the city and in natural law,” she said. “[He] taught us a very strong value of stewardship. So that’s something that I think all of us bring to the table to this day. I’m very proud of that.”
Sundance Without Its Founder
The upcoming Sundance Film Festival, which Robert Redford founded in 1981, begins Thursday, Jan. 22. It is the first iteration since his passing.
Amy recalled her father’s motivation for creating the festival:
“For my dad, it was, if you tell him not to do it, that just means it hasn’t been done yet,” she said. “He decided, ‘Well, I have some platform and I’m going to use it to change the world.'”
She added that his mission centered on amplifying untold stories and unseen storytellers:
“And I think knowing that there are so many stories out there that needed to be told that weren’t being told and that there were amazing storytellers that hadn’t been seen yet, was really his most foundational motivation.”
Family History
Robert Redford and first wife Lola Van Wagenen shared four children:
- Scott, who died at 2 ½ months old in 1959
- Shauna, 65
- James, who died aged 59 in 2020
- Amy, 55
The late actor also had seven grandchildren.
Rejecting AI Tributes
Following Robert’s death, Amy took to Instagram to denounce artificial-intelligence-generated tributes:
“There have been multiple AI versions of funerals, tributes, and quotes from members of my family that are fabrications,” she wrote. “Renderings of my Dad, who clearly has no say, and depictions of my family that do not represent anyone in a positive light are extra challenging during a difficult time.”
She thanked fans for their “overwhelming love and support” and said the family was humbled by global stories and tributes.
Key Takeaways
- Amy Redford highlights her father’s emphasis on curiosity, kindness, and environmental stewardship
- The 2026 Sundance Film Festival carries forward Robert Redford’s vision of showcasing under-represented voices
- Amy’s public rejection of AI-generated content underscores the family’s desire for authentic remembrance
