Understanding Robert Redford Wife Lola and the Full Story Behind Their Marriage, Family, and Lasting Legacy
If you’re searching for Robert Redford wife Lola, you’re likely interested in one of Hollywood’s most iconic love stories. Robert Redford—actor, director, producer, environmental activist, and founder of the Sundance Institute—has lived an extraordinary life marked by creative excellence and cultural influence. Yet behind his brilliant career is a deeply human story about love, loss, parenthood, and long-term partnership.
Robert Redford has been married twice, but his first and most formative marriage was to Lola Van Wagenen, the woman who stood beside him for nearly three decades. Their relationship shaped his early Hollywood years, helped build his family, and played a major role in the values and activism Redford is known for today.
This article explores the full story of Robert Redford and his first wife, Lola—how they met, their life together, their children, their challenges, their eventual divorce, and the impact of their partnership on Redford’s life.
Who Is Robert Redford?
Before examining his relationship with Lola, it’s important to understand who Robert Redford is. Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford became one of the most respected figures in American film.
Key highlights of his career include:
- starring roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, The Way We Were, Out of Africa, and The Natural
- directing Oscar-winning films such as Ordinary People
- founding the Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute
- decades of environmental and political activism
- numerous awards including an Academy Award, Golden Globes, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
His blend of talent, humility, and influence made him not only a film icon but also a respected cultural leader.
But his personal life also contains a remarkable story—one that began with a young woman named Lola Van Wagenen.
Who Is Robert Redford’s Wife Lola?
Robert Redford’s first wife is Lola Van Wagenen, an American historian, activist, and producer. She is not simply known for being connected to a famous actor—she has her own impressive accomplishments and intellectual legacy.
Who Is Lola Van Wagenen?
Born on December 3, 1938, in Provo, Utah, Lola was raised in a Mormon family but later carved out her own independent identity. She is known for:
- earning a PhD in American History
- co-founding the environmental organization Consumer Action Now (CAN)
- producing historical documentaries
- working as an educator and activist
- promoting women’s rights and environmental awareness
Lola is brilliant, thoughtful, and community-minded—qualities that contributed to the strength of her early relationship with Robert Redford.
How Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen Met
Redford and Lola met in the late 1950s in Los Angeles. At the time:
- Redford was a young, struggling artist, studying painting in Europe and later acting in New York
- Lola was a bright, adventurous young woman drawn to intellectual and social causes
They came from different backgrounds—Lola was raised in a conservative Mormon community, while Redford grew up in a working-class California household. Despite this, they felt an immediate, powerful connection.
Their early relationship was filled with:
- spirited conversation
- shared curiosity
- support for each other’s dreams
- a rebellious passion against traditional constraints
Their bond grew quickly and deepened into love.
Their Marriage in 1958
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen married on September 12, 1958, in a quiet ceremony in Las Vegas. A few months later, they had a more traditional Mormon ceremony to satisfy Lola’s family.
Their marriage began long before Redford became a Hollywood star, making Lola an essential part of his formative years.
Building a Family Together
Redford and Lola had four children, though their family life was marked by both joy and tragedy.
Their Children
- Scott Anthony Redford – born September 1959
- Shauna Jean Redford – born November 1960
- David James “Jamie” Redford – born May 1962
- Amy Hart Redford – born October 1970
Their children went on to pursue careers in writing, acting, filmmaking, and the arts—undoubtedly influenced by their parents’ creative and intellectual household.
Tragedy: The Loss of Their First Son
Their first child, Scott, died suddenly from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at only two and a half months old. The loss devastated the young couple and profoundly shaped Redford’s emotional life.
They rarely spoke publicly about the tragedy, but Redford later said it taught him about resilience, empathy, and the preciousness of family.
Life as a Young Hollywood Couple
As Robert Redford’s career exploded in the 1960s and 1970s, Lola remained a grounding force in his life. She supported him through:
- the early uncertainty of his acting career
- rising fame after Barefoot in the Park and Butch Cassidy
- the pressures of celebrity culture
- artistic challenges and creative risks
Redford often said he preferred privacy and isolation over Hollywood parties, and Lola helped build a home life away from the spotlight.
Their Homes
The couple lived in:
- New York
- California
- later, Utah, where Redford bought land that eventually became the Sundance Resort
Their Utah ranch became a refuge for their family—a place for creative inspiration, parenting, and environmental appreciation.
Lola’s Influence on Sundance and Activism
Lola was instrumental in supporting the values that later shaped Sundance. Her passion for:
- environmental conservation
- storytelling
- education
- community development
aligned beautifully with Redford’s own ideals.
Her activism included:
- co-founding Consumer Action Now (CAN) in the early 1970s
- advocating for renewable energy
- leading educational projects
- producing documentary films
- earning graduate and doctoral degrees during her marriage
Lola did not simply support Redford—she built her own powerful legacy.
Why Robert Redford and Lola Divorced
After nearly 27 years of marriage, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen divorced in 1985.
The reasons for their split were never sensationalized. Instead, it was described as a quiet, painful separation rooted in:
- growing apart
- shifting life focuses
- the pressures of fame
- the natural evolution of long-term relationships
Both remained respectful to one another and prioritized their children’s well-being.
Redford later said:
“We shared many wonderful years, but eventually, our paths took us in different directions.”
Life After Divorce
Lola’s Life
After the divorce, Lola continued her academic work, earning a:
- master’s degree in Public History
- PhD in American History
She also produced documentaries, supported nonprofits, and remained a respected public intellectual.
She remarried historian and professor George Burrill in 2002.
Redford’s Life
Robert Redford eventually remarried as well. In 2009, he married Sibylle Szaggars, a German painter and multimedia artist with whom he shares a strong creative connection.
Despite their separation, Redford and Lola continued to respect each other’s roles in their lives.
Why Fans Still Search “Robert Redford Wife Lola”
Several reasons:
- their marriage spanned his entire early career
- Lola helped shape the foundation of Redford’s personal and creative life
- fans admire their long partnership and mutual respect
- Lola herself is an accomplished, fascinating figure
- their love story is tied to Hollywood history
Their relationship remains one of the most meaningful partnerships in Redford’s life.
Final Thought
Now that you know the full story behind Robert Redford wife Lola, it’s clear that their marriage was more than a Hollywood romance—it was a decades-long partnership built on creativity, resilience, love, and shared purpose. Though their marriage ended, the life they built together left an indelible mark on Redford’s personal development, his artistic vision, and the values he carried forward.
Lola Van Wagenen remains an accomplished scholar and activist in her own right, and her influence continues to echo in the legacy of one of America’s greatest film icons.
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