Robert Redford’s First Marriage: The Story of Love, Loss, and Resilience
While millions mourn Robert Redford’s passing, few know the full story of his first marriage. This union marked an early chapter of passion, struggle, and resilience, shaping the man behind the fame.
Early Life and Meeting Lola
Robert Redford grew up in modest circumstances in Southern California. He faced early challenges, including heavy drinking that cost him a college athletic scholarship. Chasing his dream, he traveled to Europe to pursue art, then returned to the U.S. with renewed determination to act.
At around 20 years old in Los Angeles, he met Lola Van Wagenen, a 17-year-old college student from Utah. Despite their youth and modest means, Robert married Lola in 1958 and moved to New York City, leaving his Los Angeles life behind.
Young Love and Financial Struggles
The newlyweds had just $300 and even borrowed a car to drive home after their wedding. Their early years in New York were financially tight, with simple meals and little security. Lola, a young Mormon woman, became his partner in a leap of faith. Robert later reflected:
“They feared that I would never amount to anything. I wanted to prove them wrong.”
Tragedy Strikes
In 1959, the couple lost their first child, a son, to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just five months old. Robert was 21, Lola 20. The grief forced them into adulthood quickly, while Robert’s acting career was still uncertain.
“We were very young. I had my first theater job, which didn’t pay much. We didn’t know anything about SIDS, so you blame yourself. That creates a scar that probably never completely heals,” he shared.
Though they went on to have three children—Shauna, David, and Amy—the loss of their first son left a lasting mark.
Lola Van Wagenen and Robert Redford during “A Future With Alternatives” Symposium, on May 5, 1978 at St. John the Devine Cathedral in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Fame, Family, and Hardship
As Robert’s career took off, the family faced ongoing challenges. Their son David developed severe health problems as a teenager, requiring two liver transplants. Tragedy continued with Shauna’s boyfriend being fatally shot in 1983 and Shauna surviving a near-fatal car accident years later.
Despite fame and success, Robert and Lola endured heartbreak. Their marriage lasted until 1985, ending amicably while maintaining respect and stability for their children. Robert reflected:
“I never wanted to be one of those divorced showbusiness casualties—but I couldn’t make it last.”
Lola Van Wagenen’s Career and Second Marriage
Lola pursued a career in film and television. She worked as a producer on documentaries like American Experience (1988) and The State of Marriage (2015), and appeared on The Mike Douglas Show in 1961. Since 2002, she has been married to George Burrill, living in Vermont.
Robert Redford’s Later Life and Love
After his divorce, Robert found lasting companionship with Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist 21 years his junior. They married in 2009 in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. Their relationship brought a new chapter of happiness after decades of personal and professional challenges.
Legacy of Love and Loss
Robert and Lola’s children carried on the family legacy. Shauna became an artist and married author Eric Schlosser. Amy pursued film, acting and producing, including a role in Maid in Manhattan. David dedicated his life to social and environmental activism before passing away in 2020 at 58.
A Peaceful Farewell
Robert Redford died peacefully on September 16, 2025, at his home in Utah, aged 89. Surrounded by loved ones, he left behind a legacy as an actor, director, and advocate for independent cinema through the Sundance Institute. His films, life, and resilience will continue to inspire generations.
