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Who was Robert Redford's son James? Documentary filmmaker and environmental activist dies of cancer at 58

His wife confirmed that he died from bile-duct cancer in his liver

Filmmaker James Redford, son of actor and activist Robert Redford, died at the age of 58. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, he died on October 16 at his home in Marin County, California. His wife, Kyle, tweeted, “Jamie died today. We’re heartbroken. He lived a beautiful, impactful life & was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. As his wife of 32 yrs, I’m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together. I don’t know what we would’ve done w/o them over the past 2yrs.”

She confirmed the news to The Salt Lake Tribune and said her husband died from bile-duct cancer in his liver. Two years ago, his past liver disease had returned. Last November, the cancer was discovered in his bile duct as he was awaiting a liver transplant.

James mostly focused on making documentaries – mostly his subjects were on the environment and health, and where they intersected. ‘The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia’ (2012) – his first documentary-- was inspired by his son, Dylan, and his struggles with dyslexia in high school. In 2013, for ‘Toxic Hot Seat’, he documented the health problems caused by exposure to flame-retardant chemicals used in furniture. Kyle shared that the film led to a change in California law excluding the use of such chemicals, a ban that spread nationwide. She also said that it also inspired a change in the way California firefighters received health care benefits when they contracted cancer due to exposure to such chemicals while tackling house fires.

‘Playing for Keeps’ was his most recent film and premiered in October at the Mill Valley Film Festival, which went mostly virtual this year. The film focuses on the health benefits of playtime, for children and adults. Even though he was unwell, James was able to promote the film from home, his wife said. Kyle also informed that he had almost completed directing ‘Where the Past Begins’, a documentary for PBS’s ‘American Masters’ series that traces the immigrant journey of author Amy Tan.

In 2005, James and his father founded The Redford Center, a nonprofit that produces films and provides grant money to filmmakers to “accelerate environmental and climate justice, solutions and repair.” According to Robert’s biography, his son's health issues at a young age was a reason he put down roots in Utah. He was later a part of establishing the Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Institute there.

Besides documentaries, James wrote the screenplay for ‘Cowboy Up’ starring Kiefer Sutherland and Darryl Hannah. He also wrote the critically acclaimed screenplay for ‘Skinwalkers’, which premiered on the PBS mystery series.

On October 19, the Redford Center's executive director Jill Tidman shared a tribute for the late filmmaker on Instagram. It read: “With Jamie came love and contagious joy. He approached everything he did with kindness and warmth, and an openness that spread itself easily among others.” The tribute also stated, “As a filmmaker, writer and activist, Jamie was intentional and inspirational. As a father, husband, brother, son and a friend to so many - he was a devout supporter, always full of hope. He will be greatly and intensely missed.”

James is survived by his wife and their two children -- Dylan and Lena-- and his parents, Robert and historian Lola Van Wagenen. Actor Kiefer Sutherland tweeted, “So saddened to hear about the passing of James Redford. He was a wonderful writer and a wonderful man.” A user wrote: “Very sorry for the Redford family. Cancer is such a terrible thing. RIP James Redford.” Entertainment reporter for Revistas COSAS, Yenny Nun said, “Our deep condolences to #robertredford ,for his son #jamesredford 's passing.”

Robert released a statement, through his representatives, about his son's passing. The statement, as quoted in EW, reads, “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment. Robert Redford is mourning with his family during this difficult time and asks for privacy.”