Robert Redford was married twice during his lifetime. The iconic actor and filmmaker, known just as much for his conservation efforts and the Sundance Mountain Resort as he was for cinematic classics like The Sting and All the President's Men, balanced decades in the public eye with two long-term marital unions. His relationship history spanned from a youthful marriage in the late 1950s that weathered early tragedy and rising fame to a decades-long partnership with a contemporary artist that lasted through his later years.
Understanding his personal life requires looking beyond the rustic landscapes of Utah where he spent so much of his career. His romantic history shaped his family, his creative pursuits, and his retreat from conventional Hollywood circles.
First Marriage: Lola Van Wagenen (1958–1985)
In August 1958, a young Redford married Lola Van Wagenen, a historian and environmental activist. At the time of their wedding, the couple famously had very little money, relying on borrowed transportation and scraping by with minimal savings as Redford struggled to establish himself in New York as an aspiring actor and artist.
Their marriage spanned 27 years, bridging the gap between his obscure theatrical beginnings and his ascension to global superstardom in the 1960s and 1970s. Together, they welcomed four children: Scott, Shauna, David James, and Amy.
Early Tragedy and Family Life
The couple faced profound grief early in their marriage. Their firstborn son, Scott, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome in 1959 at just two months old. Redford later spoke candidly about how the trauma of losing a child when they were so young left a permanent emotional mark.
Despite the intense pressures of Hollywood, Redford initially hoped to defy industry norms by maintaining a lifelong marriage. However, the strain of constant public scrutiny, combined with the demands of his skyrocketing career, eventually took a toll. The couple separated and finalized their divorce in 1985. Both parties characterized the split as mutual, maintaining a cooperative friendship for the sake of their surviving children. Van Wagenen went on to co-found Coalition for Utah's Future and continued her historical work, earning a PhD.
Second Marriage: Sibylle Szaggars (2009–Present)
Following his divorce from Van Wagenen, Redford spent many years in a long-term relationship with German-born multimedia artist Sibylle Szaggars. The pair first crossed paths in 1996 at Redford's Sundance resort in Utah. Szaggars, who was unconcerned with conventional celebrity culture, later noted that she knew very little about his massive filmography when they met, which allowed them to build a foundation based on mutual artistic and environmental interests rather than Hollywood fanfare.
After more than a decade together, Redford and Szaggars married in July 2009 in a private ceremony at the Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, Germany. Szaggars remained by his side as a steadfast partner, collaborator in environmental advocacy, and companion through his later years.
Children and Descendants
Redford's family expanded through his four children with Lola Van Wagenen:
- Scott Anthony Redford: Born in 1959, tragically passed away in infancy.
- Shauna Jean Redford: Born in 1960, an artist who pursued a private life away from mainstream Hollywood.
- David James Redford: Born in 1962, a celebrated documentary filmmaker and writer who focused heavily on health and environmental issues. James passed away from bile-duct cancer in October 2020 at the age of 58.
- Amy Hart Redford: Born in 1970, an actress, director, and producer who continued the family's artistic traditions in film and theater.
Redford also embraced his role as a grandfather to several grandchildren, frequently emphasizing that despite his Academy Awards and cultural legacy, his family remained his primary grounding force.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Robert Redford married to his first wife?
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen were married for 27 years, from 1958 until their divorce was finalized in 1985.
Where did Robert Redford marry Sibylle Szaggars?
They married in July 2009 at the Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, Germany, after dating for more than a decade.
Did Robert Redford have children?
Yes, he had four children with his first wife, Lola: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy. Two of his sons, Scott and James, predeceased him.
What is Sibylle Szaggars' profession?
Sibylle Szaggars is a prominent multimedia and abstract artist known for her environmental art installations and paintings.
