Robert Redford's second marriage to German multimedia artist Sibylle Szaggars offered a sharp contrast to the high-profile glamour of Hollywood. After dating for more than a decade, the couple married in a quiet, private ceremony in July 2009 at the Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, Germany. Rather than courting tabloid attention, they spent decades building a low-profile life rooted in shared artistic pursuits, environmental advocacy, and deep privacy in Utah.
Understanding this partnership requires looking beyond Redford's silver-screen persona to examine how a chance meeting in 1996 at the Sundance Mountain Resort blossomed into a quiet sanctuary. Their relationship lasted nearly thirty years total, anchored by mutual respect, creative collaboration, and a deliberate retreat from the spotlight.
How Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars Met
The story began in 1996 at Redford's famous Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. Szaggars, an established international painter and multimedia artist from Germany, visited the resort to ski. At the time, she didn't recognize Redford's cinematic fame, having never watched his iconic films.
That lack of familiarity created an immediate foundation of normalcy. Redford frequently noted that starting fresh with someone who viewed him simply as a human being rather than a movie star brought a refreshing authenticity to his life. They formed a slow-burning connection built on shared passions rather than Hollywood status. For over a decade, they lived together quietly, splitting time between Sundance and various art capitals before finally tying the knot in 2009. Similar reporting on the subject has been published by E! News.
Shared Environmental Advocacy and Art
While Redford spent decades championing independent cinema through the Sundance Institute and advocating for ecological conservation, Szaggars pursued a parallel path through visual and performance art. Her work frequently explores the fragile relationship between humanity and the natural elements.
In 2015, Szaggars founded The Way of the Rain, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising climate awareness through large-scale artistic performances combining music, dance, film, and spoken word. Redford served actively as the organization's vice-president, lending his voice and support to her vision. Their shared commitment to environmental protection served as a core pillar of their marriage, merging their professional passions into unified advocacy.
The Reality of Their Quiet Life in Utah
Unlike celebrity couples who court public appearances, Redford and Szaggars spent most of their time away from Los Angeles. They settled primarily at Redford's sprawling property in the mountains of Utah.
This rustic environment allowed them to focus on daily routines centered around creativity:
- Painting and sketching in Szaggars' studio spaces.
- Writing, reading, and managing conservation projects on their land.
- Hosting intimate gatherings with close family and select friends rather than industry elites.
By stepping back from relentless media scrutiny, they protected the longevity of their bond. Redford often credited Szaggars with providing him stability and a renewed sense of purpose later in life.
Common Misconceptions About the Union
Because Redford kept his personal affairs tightly guarded, several myths persist regarding his second marriage:
- The belief that they worked together in Hollywood: Szaggars remained strictly in the fine art and environmental performance spheres, avoiding studio films and commercial acting entirely.
- The timeline of their romance: Some assume they married quickly after Redford's divorce from his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. In reality, Redford and Van Wagenen separated in the late 1970s and finalized their divorce in 1985, leaving more than a decade before he met Szaggars in 1996.
- Public exposure: Aside from occasional red carpets for environmental awards or art exhibitions, the couple deliberately bypassed high-society galas.
For readers wanting to dive deeper into Redford's cinematic history, you can explore the Sundance Institute or read retrospective coverage on The Hollywood Reporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age difference between Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars?
Sibylle Szaggars is approximately twenty years younger than Robert Redford. Despite the age gap, their shared dedication to art and nature bridged generational differences.
Did Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars have children together?
No, the couple did not have children together. Szaggars became a supportive stepmother to Redford's surviving children from his first marriage.
Where did Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars get married?
They married in a private ceremony in July 2009 at a historic hotel in Hamburg, Germany, which is Szaggars' home country.
How long were they together before marrying?
They were together for roughly thirteen years after meeting in 1996 before officially exchanging vows in 2009.
