Tributes from famous faces across the globe have been flooding in following the death of American actor, screenwriter, and activist Robert Redford. The film star, best known for his roles in Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, died at the age of 89 on Tuesday morning (September 16) at his home in Utah.

His representative said in a statement that the actor died in his family home at Sundance in the mountains - “the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved”. The spokesman added: “He will be greatly missed.” The star’s cause of death has not yet been publicly announced, but the Hollywood icon was plagued with health issues from childhood, having suffered from polio as a child.

Leading the tributes this afternoon was Hollywood royalty Meryl Streep who shared the screen with Redford on the film Out of Africa. She released a touching statement which read: “One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace my lovely friend.”

Also remembering Redford was Utah Govenor Spencer Cox, who wrote: “Decades ago, Robert Redford came to Utah and fell in love with this place. He cherished our landscapes and built a legacy that made Utah a home for storytelling and creativity.

He added: “Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world. Today we honour his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”

President Donald Trump, who was told of Redford’s passing while speaking to reporters before his visit to the UK, said: “Robert Redford had a series of years where there was nobody better. There was a period of time when he was the hottest. I thought he was great.”

Actor Colman Domingo wrote: “With love and admiration. Thank you, Mr. Redford, for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. RIP.”

Piers Morgan chimed in with: “RIP Robert Redford, 89. One of the all-time great movie stars. A true Hollywood legend who starred in so many of my favourite films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Way We Were, All The President’s Men. What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss.”

American horror author Stephen King penned: “Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89.”

Director Marlee Matlin echoed: “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.”

American author posted: “Few people did more in their lifetimes to contribute to American society than Robert Redford. In areas ranging from film to environmentalism to politics, he used his enormous power to help create a better world. May he rest in unending bliss.”

The actor had a heartbreaking upbringing as his mother died when he was just 10 years old from a blood disorder after she gave birth to his twin siblings, who also passed away immediately after birth.

As a teenager, Redford experienced bullying and once accepted a deadly challenge to jump off the rooftop of a building in a move that almost killed him. Tragedy struck throughout his life – his first son sadly died in infancy, and his second son lived with several health conditions.

However, the actor's career managed to flourish, and he became an activist after stepping down from making films. He leaves behind his four children and seven grandchildren.