Net Worth Ranker
What Is Robert Redford’s Net Worth?
Robert Redford, an iconic figure in American cinema as an actor, director, producer, and dedicated environmentalist, boasts a net worth of $200 million. This substantial wealth is a testament to his decades-long career in Hollywood and his entrepreneurial ventures, most notably the Sundance Film Festival. His financial success is rooted in a diverse portfolio of film roles, directing credits, and astute business decisions.
Early Career and Film Salaries
Redford’s journey in Hollywood began in the 1960s, with early roles that gradually increased his visibility. One of his earliest known film salaries was a modest $500 for the 1962 movie “War Hunt.” This initial payment highlights the humble beginnings of a career that would eventually reach extraordinary heights. By 1968, his star power was on the rise, evidenced by his $750,000 salary for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (released in 1969), a figure equivalent to approximately $6.5 million in today’s dollars. This film not only solidified his status as a leading man but also provided him with the financial means to pursue other ventures.
The success of “Butch Cassidy” allowed Redford to invest in the area that would later become the Sundance Mountain Resort. In 1968, he used his after-tax earnings from the film to purchase the 3,000-acre Utah resort town of Mount Timpanogos, where he already owned a modest property. His motivation was to prevent the land from being sold to developers, reflecting his commitment to environmental preservation. This purchase marked a significant turning point, transforming a financial windfall into a long-term investment with cultural and environmental implications.
Throughout the 1970s, Redford’s salary continued to reflect his growing popularity and box-office appeal. He earned $500,000 for 1973’s “The Sting,” which is equivalent to around $3.5 million today. This film, a critical and commercial success, further enhanced his reputation and earning potential. Later in his career, he commanded even higher salaries, including $2 million for 1977’s “A Bridge Too Far” and $3.5 million for 1979’s “The Electric Horseman.” In the 1990s and early 2000s, his fees continued to climb, reaching $4 million for starring in 1993’s “Indecent Proposal” and a career-high $11 million base salary for 2001’s “The Last Castle.” These figures illustrate the consistent demand for his talent and his ability to command top-tier compensation.
Sundance Institute and Real Estate Investments
Robert Redford’s financial acumen extends beyond his acting career to include real estate investments and the establishment of the Sundance Institute. His initial foray into Utah real estate occurred in 1961, when he purchased a modest A-frame cabin on two acres in Timp Haven for $500. Seven years later, leveraging his earnings from “Butch Cassidy,” he acquired the entire town of Timp Haven, renaming it Sundance Mountain Resort after the film’s success. This purchase, driven by a desire to protect the area from development, laid the foundation for what would become a significant cultural and economic hub.
The Sundance Institute, founded in 1978, has grown into a major force in the independent film industry. While Redford is credited as a founder of the nonprofit Sundance Institute and Sundance Cinemas, as well as the Sundance Channel and Sundance Productions, the financial benefits are not directly quantifiable in terms of personal income. However, these ventures have undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth by enhancing his brand and influence within the entertainment industry. Previously, he owned a Sundance-branded mail-order catalog business, which he sold in 2004 for $40 million, representing a substantial return on investment.
In December 2020, Redford sold the 2,600-acre Sundance resort to a private equity group for an undisclosed amount. Although the specific financial details of this transaction remain private, it is reasonable to assume that it resulted in a significant influx of capital, further bolstering his net worth. Even after selling the resort, his family continues to own a 1,800-acre property in the area, as well as a 30-acre property called the Horse Whisperer Ranch, located approximately 30 minutes outside of Sundance. Redford purchased the Horse Whisperer Ranch in 1996 and listed it for sale in June 2021 for $4.6 million.
Beyond Utah, Redford has owned or currently owns properties in various locations, including Santa Fe, New Mexico, and several parts of California. In May 2001, he sold an oceanfront property in Malibu for $6 million, along with an adjacent empty lot for $3 million. He also owned a duplex penthouse at 1030 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, which he purchased in 1997 for $3.7 million and sold in 2002 for $10 million. In March 2002, he acquired a ski lodge in Aspen, Colorado, for $6.5 million. Additionally, in 2004, Redford bought a 10-acre wine country estate in St. Helena, California, which he sold in January 2019 for $7 million, after listing it for $7.5 million in October 2018. More recently, in 2020, he purchased a home in Tiburon, California, for $3.1 million, listing it for sale in December 2024 for $4.2 million. These real estate transactions demonstrate a pattern of strategic investments and profitable sales, contributing to his overall financial success.
