Robert Redford’s Family Life: Wives, Children, and Personal Tragedies

When we think of Robert Redford, the first images that come to mind are his iconic movie roles, his natural charm, and his incredible career as both an actor and a director. But behind the Hollywood spotlight lies a much more personal story a journey filled with love, family, heartbreak, and resilience.

Redford has lived a life that not only shaped his career but also deeply influenced the man he became. His family life his marriages, his children, and the tragedies he faced adds another layer to the legend of Robert Redford. Let’s take a closer look into this personal side of the Hollywood icon.

Early Life and Values That Shaped His Family Perspective

Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Robert Redford grew up in a modest family. His father, Charles Robert Redford Sr., worked as a milkman and later as an accountant, while his mother, Martha Hart, was a homemaker with Scottish and Irish roots.

Redford’s childhood wasn’t particularly glamorous. He grew up during times of financial hardship, which taught him resilience and the value of family bonds. These early lessons would later shape how he approached his own role as a father and husband.

First Marriage: Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen

Robert Redford’s first great love story began in the late 1950s when he met Lola Van Wagenen, a history student from Utah. Lola was intelligent, passionate about social issues, and later went on to become a historian and activist.

The couple married in 1958, when Redford was still at the beginning of his acting journey. Their marriage lasted nearly three decades, during which they built a family and supported each other through the highs and lows of Hollywood life.

Together, Redford and Lola had four children:

1. Scott Anthony Redford (born 1959 – tragically passed away at just 2 months old)
2. Shauna Jean Redford (born 1960)
3. David James “Jamie” Redford (1962–2020)
4. Amy Hart Redford (born 1970)

The couple divorced in 1985, after 27 years of marriage. Though their relationship ended, Redford and Lola remained connected through their children and shared values about family and education.

The Heartbreaking Loss of His First Son, Scott

Perhaps one of the most painful chapters in Robert Redford’s life was the loss of his firstborn son, Scott, who passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) only two months after his birth in 1959.

The tragedy struck when Redford was still a young actor trying to find his way in the industry. He later admitted that the loss left him devastated and shaped his outlook on life. Grief made him more private and cautious about fame, as he realized how fragile personal happiness could be.

This tragedy never left him it became a quiet shadow that influenced both his roles on screen and his off-screen resilience.

His Children: Lives in the Spotlight and Beyond

Despite this early heartbreak, Redford and Lola raised three children who each found their own paths in life.

Shauna Redford

Born in 1960, Shauna grew up surrounded by the arts but chose a quieter, more private life. She became a painter and married Eric Schlosser, a well-known journalist and author of Fast Food Nation. Together, they have two children. Unlike her father, Shauna stayed away from Hollywood but expressed her creativity through art.

James “Jamie” Redford

Jamie, born in 1962, followed closely in his father’s footsteps in terms of creative pursuits but leaned more toward documentary filmmaking. He was passionate about environmental issues and social change, producing films that highlighted topics like organ donation, education, and clean energy.

Jamie lived with health struggles most of his life, including liver disease, and underwent two liver transplants. Despite his health challenges, he remained a vibrant storyteller. Sadly, in October 2020, Jamie passed away at the age of 58 due to bile-duct cancer. His death was another devastating blow for Redford, who called Jamie a “loving son, husband, and father.”

Amy Redford

Amy, the youngest, was born in 1970. She stepped into the entertainment world as an actress, director, and producer. While she didn’t achieve the same level of fame as her father, Amy carved out her niche in independent cinema. She has worked on projects both in front of and behind the camera, often focusing on meaningful and personal storytelling.

Second Marriage: Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars

After his divorce from Lola, Robert Redford eventually found love again with Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born painter and environmental activist. The two met in the 1990s and built a life together centered around art, nature, and shared passions.

In 2009, after nearly two decades together, Redford and Sibylle officially married in Hamburg, Germany. Their relationship has been described as calm, supportive, and deeply connected, reflecting the maturity of two people who have lived full lives.

Sibylle’s artistic sensibilities and her commitment to environmental work complemented Redford’s own passions, especially his lifelong advocacy for conservation and sustainability.

Personal Tragedies That Shaped Him

Robert Redford’s family life cannot be discussed without acknowledging the series of tragedies he faced. Beyond losing his infant son Scott and later his son Jamie, Redford also lost his parents and several close friends over the years.

These personal losses made him a deeply reflective man. He often channeled his grief into his work, creating characters that resonated with audiences because of their emotional authenticity.

For Redford, family has always been both a source of joy and sorrow. His experiences gave him perspective success in Hollywood meant little compared to the fragility of family and love.

Robert Redford as a Grandfather

Today, Robert Redford is also a proud grandfather. His children have given him several grandchildren, allowing him to experience a softer, more joyful side of family life in his later years. Though he keeps this part of his life very private, those close to him describe him as a caring and supportive grandfather who enjoys spending quiet time with his family away from the public eye.

Privacy and Protecting His Family

Unlike many Hollywood stars, Robert Redford has always been fiercely protective of his family’s privacy. He avoided bringing his children into the spotlight and gave them the space to live their lives away from the pressures of fame.

This decision often came from the tragedies he endured. Redford understood that fame could magnify personal pain, and he wanted his family to experience as much normalcy as possible.

Legacy Beyond Hollywood

Robert Redford’s legacy is not just about film. It is also about resilience, family, and the way he faced heartbreak with dignity. His marriages, his children, and his ability to move forward after loss speak volumes about his character.

Even as he built a legendary career with films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men, Redford never stopped being a father and husband first. His work in founding the Sundance Film Festival also reflects his desire to create opportunities for the next generation a continuation of his role as a family man, extended to the film world.

Conclusion: A Man of Love, Loss, and Legacy

Robert Redford’s family story is one of love and resilience. From his decades-long first marriage with Lola Van Wagenen, to the joy and heartbreak of raising children, to finding a second chance at love with Sibylle Szaggars, Redford’s life proves that even legends are shaped most by their families.

His personal tragedies especially the loss of his sons Scott and Jamie left deep scars, but they also gave him strength and perspective. Today, Robert Redford is not just remembered as an actor, director, or activist, but also as a man who lived through immense personal trials while holding onto his values.

His story reminds us that behind the fame and fortune lies a deeply human journey one marked by love, loss, and an enduring commitment to family.