Scott Anthony Redford was the firstborn son of actor Robert Redford and his first wife, historian Lola Van Wagenen. Born on September 1, 1959, he passed away unexpectedly at just two and a half months old on November 17, 1959. His cause of death was attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), an unexpected and unexplained tragedy that struck the young couple early in their marriage and careers.
At the time of Scott's birth, Robert Redford was twenty-one years old and Lola was twenty, living in New York City where Robert was trying to establish his acting career. Decades later, Robert reflected on the profound impact of that early loss during interviews, noting how trauma from such an early and unexpected event lingers across a lifetime in ways parents don't always expect. Though the couple later welcomed three more children—Shauna, James, and Amy—the memory of their firstborn remained a private sorrow.
Understanding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the Late 1950s
To understand the context surrounding Scott Anthony Redford's passing, it's helpful to look at how infant health and medical terminology were handled in the late 1950s. While modern medical science defines SIDS as the sudden, unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under one year old, diagnostic labeling during that era often varied. Historical family records and local newspaper notices from late 1959 occasionally referenced viral infections or unexpected crib incidents when reporting infant losses, reflecting the limited diagnostic tools available to pediatricians at the time.
Medical researchers didn't officially coin and standardize the term "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome" until the late 1960s. Before then, sudden infant deaths were frequently categorized under vague medical headings. Despite these diagnostic shifts, the clinical profile of Scott's passing aligns with what modern medicine identifies as SIDS—an infant dying quietly and without warning during sleep.
The Young Parents: Robert and Lola in New York
When Scott arrived in the fall of 1959, Robert and Lola were navigating the financial and emotional strains common to young artist families in Manhattan. Robert was studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and taking early stage roles, while Lola was balancing domestic life.
Losing a child under such vulnerable circumstances left an indelible mark. In a 2017 interview with Esquire, Robert shared rare insights into that period, explaining that they were entirely unequipped for the weight of such a tragedy at such a young age.
- Scott Anthony Redford was born on September 1, 1959.
- He passed away on November 17, 1959, in New York.
- He was laid to rest at the Provo City Cemetery in Utah, near Lola's family roots.
The Broader Redford Family Legacy
While Scott's life was brief, he remains an integral part of the Redford family history. Following his passing, Robert and Lola had three surviving children who grew up to pursue their own paths:
- Shauna Redford: Born in 1960, she became an accomplished painter and married author Eric Schlosser.
- James Redford: Born in 1962, he became a dedicated documentary filmmaker and activist before tragically passing away from bile duct cancer in October 2020.
- Amy Redford: Born in 1970, she built a career as an actress, director, and producer.
Robert Redford established the Sundance Institute in 1981 to foster independent storytelling, a project that eventually integrated his surviving children into leadership roles. Though the family experienced subsequent public trials—including the tragic murder of Shauna's college boyfriend Sid Wells in 1983—they have generally maintained a private approach to personal grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Scott Anthony Redford born and when did he pass away?
Scott Anthony Redford was born on September 1, 1959, and passed away on November 17, 1959, at approximately eleven weeks of age.
Where is Scott Anthony Redford buried?
He is buried at the Provo City Cemetery in Provo, Utah, reflecting the family's connection to the region.
Did Robert Redford speak publicly about his son's death?
Robert Redford rarely spoke about the tragedy for decades, but he opened up during a 2017 interview discussing how youthful trauma shapes a person's life over time.
How many children did Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen have in total?
They had four children together: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/angelina-jolie-marcheline-bertrand-5-c247f415ea5b4e2496e31fbe2d395410.jpg)
