Robert Redford's First Wife The Untold Story Of Lola Van Wagenen

Robert Redford's Wives & Family: Exploring His Life With Lola Van Wagenen & More

Robert Redford's First Wife The Untold Story Of Lola Van Wagenen

By  Kelley Swift

How well do you truly know the life of Robert Redford, beyond the silver screen? Delving into the personal life of the Hollywood icon reveals a story of love, loss, and resilience, a narrative as captivating as any of his cinematic masterpieces.

Robert Redford's life, both on and off the screen, is a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and tragedy. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in Santa Monica, California, on August 18, 1936, he rose to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated figures. His journey, however, is not solely defined by his acting prowess; it is equally shaped by the relationships he cultivated and the family he built. His name is synonymous with cinematic excellence, but his personal life, particularly his marriages and the subsequent children, offer a more intimate and profound look at the man behind the legend.

His life has been one of high-profile romances. Robert Redford has been married twice, first to Lola Van Wagenen and later to Sibylle Szaggars. His love story with Lola Van Wagenen began in the late 1950s, shortly after he returned from a trip to France. They met and fell in love, leading them to the altar in 1958, exchanging vows at Lola's grandmother's home. Lola Van Wagenen, who would become the mother of his children, initially gained public recognition as the wife of the famed actor. Notably, their love story was a compelling one, often the subject of Hollywood envy.

In 1958, at the young ages of 22 and 19, they exchanged vows, subsequently becoming inseparable. Their journey, however, was not without its trials. Tragically, in September 1958, they welcomed their first son, Scott Anthony Redford. However, the joy was short-lived, as the infant succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome merely two months later. The couple went on to have three more children: Shauna, James, and Amy.

The duo's initial connection was not just a matter of love; it also formed a foundation for mutual growth and support through life's myriad of difficulties. Robert Redford's first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, went on to be an executive producer of several films in her own right, including the documentary film "Miss America: A Documentary Film", which was broadcast on PBS in January 2002, and "The State of Marriage", released in 2015. Their marriage, which spanned nearly three decades, provided the bedrock for his family. However, Redford and Van Wagenen divorced in 1985. Redford's second marriage was to Sibylle Szaggars in July 2009 in Hamburg. Their relationship began in 1996 at his Sundance Mountain Resort.

Category Details
Full Name Charles Robert Redford Jr.
Date of Birth August 18, 1936
Place of Birth Santa Monica, California, USA
Ancestry Irish, English, Scottish
First Wife Lola Van Wagenen (married 1958, divorced 1985)
Second Wife Sibylle Szaggars (married 2009)
Children Scott (deceased), Shauna, James (deceased), Amy
Notable Films "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," "The Way We Were," "All the President's Men," "Out of Africa," "Lions for Lambs," "Spy Game"
Awards & Recognition Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Awards, Cecil B. DeMille Award, Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom
Website Reference IMDb - Robert Redford

The family experienced another profound loss with the recent passing of their son, James Redford. This event further underscores the emotional depth of Redford's life, highlighting the enduring impact of familial bonds. The children he shared with Lola Van Wagenen Shauna, James, and Amy each brought their own unique presence to his life. It is important to know that the actor does not have any children from his second marriage.

Lola Van Wagenen, aside from her role as the mother of his children and wife, also carved her own path, gaining recognition as an executive producer. Her work included the PBS series "American Experience," as well as "The State of Marriage," which was released in 2015. Her achievements stand independent of her relationship with Redford, showcasing her professional achievements. Furthermore, through her work, she took part in promoting several advocacies.

Redford's journey began with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. They were married in 1958. She made the decision to forgo college in order to marry the actor. The couple quickly fell in love and tied the knot in 1958 at Lola's grandmother's home. Robert married his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, in July 2009, in Hamburg. His relationships, from the late 1950s to the present day, give a portrait of a man who embraced both romantic love and familial responsibility.

Redford's career is marked by his versatility, critical acclaim, and box-office success. He is acclaimed for his performances in classics such as "The Way We Were" and "All the President's Men", and has made a mark on the film industry. As the Hollywood legend, Redford has received numerous accolades throughout his career, which include an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. Moreover, in 1994, he received the Cecil B. DeMille Award; in 1996, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award; in 2002, the Academy Honorary Award; in 2005, the Kennedy Center Honors; and in 2016, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Throughout his career, Redford has not only entertained audiences but has also been committed to environmental conservation. This is seen with the establishment of the Sundance Institute, which continues to support independent filmmakers. Redford's legacy extends far beyond his acting work; it includes his dedication to the Sundance Institute and the promotion of environmental conservation, a testament to his multifaceted personality.

The personal life of Robert Redford, while private in many ways, is interwoven with his public persona. His marriages and children offer a glimpse into the heart of a man who, despite the pressures of fame, has remained grounded in his values and loyal to his family. Robert Redford's life is a study in contrast, a reminder that even the most iconic figures are shaped by love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.

Robert Redford's First Wife The Untold Story Of Lola Van Wagenen
Robert Redford's First Wife The Untold Story Of Lola Van Wagenen

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Is Robert Redford Married? Inside His Personal Life
Is Robert Redford Married? Inside His Personal Life

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Unveiling The Life Of Robert Redford's Wife Lola Van Wagenen
Unveiling The Life Of Robert Redford's Wife Lola Van Wagenen

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