Inside Robert Redford's First Marriage With Lola Van Wagenen, Loss Of Son And Reason For Divorce

News of Robert Redford’s demise has left Hollywood and fans worldwide in shock. At 87, the actor, director, and activist leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable films and a reputation as one of cinema’s most principled and private icons. Known for his charm and activism, Robert shaped generations with his work.

As tributes pour in, many reflect not only on Robert’s professional life but also on his personal journey with love. He found his lasting love with his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist and environmental advocate. Yet, few remember that before this chapter, Robert’s heart belonged to someone else, his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. Their marriage spanned nearly over three decades. Together, the couple witnessed love and tragedy, and it was Lola who helped shaping Robert’s journey as a husband, father, and artist. Let’s take a closer look at his first great love story.

Robert Redford meeting Lola Van Wagenen

Robert Redford met Lola Van Wagenen in the late 1950s, shortly after returning from a trip to Paris, where he was studying art and culture. After coming back to the United States, Robert crossed paths with Lola in Los Angeles. Their story was straight out of a romantic novel. She was a bright young historian with a passion for education and activism, and he was a budding artist just beginning to explore his creative ambitions.

The attraction was instant for both of them. In 1958, before Robert had even appeared in a film, the couple married in a modest ceremony. Their partnership was built on love and shared values rather than fame. Lola was among Robert’s first supporters as he was still carving out his place in the entertainment world. Soon after tying the knot, they moved to New York City, where Robert enrolled at the Pratt Institute to study art, and eventually, he discovered his passion for acting.

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen built a family as he made a career for himself 

While Robert Redford pursued his early acting opportunities, the couple was also busy building a family. They welcomed four children together, Shauna Redford, James Redford, Amy Redford, and their first son, Scott Anthony, who tragically died just two months after his birth in 1959. The loss of their first son was something the couple could never forget.

Despite their grief, Robert and Lola raised their three surviving children in New York while navigating through the early instability of an acting career. By the late 1960s, Robert's career had begun to flourish with breakout roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973). Lola remained a grounding force in his life, providing him stability and support as his career skyrocketed.

Robert Redford’s professional life was soaring high, but there were struggles behind the scenes

The 1970s and ’80s marked Robert’s golden era in Hollywood. Films like The Candidate, The Way We Were, All the President’s Men, and Out of Africa cemented him as a leading man and a cultural icon. Yet, life behind the scenes was not as seamless as it appeared on screen for him. The pressures of fame and his responsibilities as a parent started straining his marriage with Lola.

Lola herself was deeply engaged in activism and education. She co-founded Consumer Action Now in 1970, an environmental and consumer advocacy organisation, and later founded Clio Visualising History in 1995, dedicated to promoting historical education. Her independent success as a historian and activist mirrored Robert’s artistic rise, making them one of the most admired power couples of their era. Even though their married life was facing struggles, they stood together supporting one another.

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen endured many heartbreaks and struggles

After losing their infant son, Scott, in 1959, tragedy struck again decades later when their son, James Redford, passed away in October 2020 at age 58 following a long battle with liver cancer. James had followed in his father’s footsteps as a filmmaker and activist and had been producing documentaries that addressed pressing social issues. His death devastated Robert, who described James as ‘a loving son, husband, and father.’

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen divorced after nearly 30 years of marriage

After 27 years of marriage, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen quietly separated in 1985. Their divorce was not accompanied by scandal or public animosity, which was unusual for Hollywood divorces of the time. Instead, both maintained mutual respect and affection for each other. Reflecting on their split years later, Robert could be quoted as saying:

“It was mutual, and it was right to move on. We still have great love, great affection, great friendship. The kids are great, they came through it ok.”

Lola Van Wagenen’s life after her divorce from Robert Redford

Following the divorce, Lola continued to thrive in her career as a historian and activist. She remarried in 2002 to George Burrill, a diplomat and international development expert. Her professional work expanded to producing documentaries like Miss America (2002) and The State of Marriage (2015), and she remained dedicated to education and history through her writing.

Despite stepping out of Robert’s life, Lola’s influence on his life and career was undeniable. Her Utah roots inspired Robert’s deep connection to the state, where he would later found the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival in 1978, cementing his legacy as a champion of independent cinema.

Robert Redford later married Sibylle Szaggars

While Robert and Lola went their separate ways, he also eventually found love again with German artist, Sibylle Szaggars, whom he met in the 1990s. The two married in 2009, sharing a passion for environmental activism and art. Their partnership lasted until Robert's passing, with Sibylle standing beside him in his later years.

Robert Redford’s legacy

Robert Redford’s legacy extends far beyond the silver screen. While his acting and directing achievements are immortal, his roles as a husband and father, first with Lola Van Wagenen and later with Sibylle Szaggars, are equally significant. His first marriage shaped him during his initial years, grounding him in love and family even before he became a household name. Robert once said he wanted to prove that a Hollywood marriage could last, and though his union with Lola ultimately ended, the 27 years they shared stand as proof of their devotion to each other.

Robert's first marriage to Lola remained a defining chapter of his life. It was with her that he built his family, endured his greatest personal losses, and laid the foundation for a career that would change Hollywood forever.

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