Robert Redford Children: The Complete Story Of His Family And Legacy
Have you ever wondered about the family life of Hollywood legend Robert Redford? Behind the iconic actor, director, and environmental activist was a devoted father who experienced both the joys of parenthood and the profound grief of losing children. Robert Redford's family story is as compelling and complex as his celebrated film career, filled with love, tragedy, and enduring legacy.
Who Was Robert Redford? A Brief Biography
Robert Redford was born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. He rose to fame as one of Hollywood's most influential actors and directors, starring in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President's Men. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Redford was a passionate environmentalist and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, which revolutionized independent cinema.
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| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Robert Redford Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 18, 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California |
| Date of Death | September 18, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 89 years old |
| First Wife | Lola Van Wagenen (married 1958-1985) |
| Second Wife | Sibylle Szaggars (married 2009-2025) |
| Children | Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy |
| Grandchildren | Multiple |
Robert Redford's Marriage to Lola Van Wagenen
Robert Redford married Lola Van Wagenen on September 12, 1958, when he was just 22 years old. Their marriage lasted for 27 years before they divorced in 1985. Lola, a historian and environmental activist, was Redford's college sweetheart, and together they built a life that would include four children and countless memories.
The couple's relationship was built on shared values and mutual support during Redford's early struggles in Hollywood. Lola stood by him as he worked odd jobs and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and she remained a constant presence as his career skyrocketed to unprecedented heights.
Meet Robert Redford's Four Children
Scott Anthony Redford
Robert and Lola's first child, Scott Anthony Redford, was born on September 1, 1959. Tragically, Scott's life was brief and heartbreaking. He passed away on November 17, 1959, at just two months old due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This devastating loss profoundly affected both Robert and Lola, marking the beginning of their journey through parenthood that would include both immense joy and profound sorrow.
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Shauna Jean Redford
Shauna Jean Redford, born on November 15, 1960, became the couple's first daughter and only surviving child from their early years of marriage. Unlike her famous father, Shauna chose a more private life, focusing on her passion for art and painting. She married journalist Eric Schlosser in 1985, and together they have two children.
Shauna has maintained a relatively low profile despite her family's fame, dedicating herself to her artistic pursuits and family life. Her work as a painter has been exhibited in various galleries, though she prefers to let her art speak for itself rather than seeking the spotlight that her father once commanded.
James Redford
James Redford, born on May 5, 1962, followed a different path than his father, becoming a documentary filmmaker, activist, and writer. He married Kyle Redford in 1988, and they had two children together. James was known for his work on documentaries addressing social issues, including The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia and Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution.
Tragically, James passed away on October 16, 2020, at the age of 58 due to bile duct cancer. His death was another devastating blow to the Redford family, coming just five years before Robert's own passing. James's work in documentary filmmaking and his advocacy for environmental causes carried forward many of his father's passions and values.
Amy Hart Redford
Amy Hart Redford, born on October 22, 1970, is the youngest of Robert and Lola's children. Unlike her siblings who chose more private paths, Amy pursued a career in acting and theater direction. She has appeared in various films and television shows, including The Guitar, Maidstone, and The Sopranos.
Amy married actor and writer Mark Mann in 2010, and they have one child together. Her work in the entertainment industry represents a direct connection to her father's legacy, though she has carved out her own identity as a performer and director.
The Tragic Losses in Robert Redford's Life
The death of Robert Redford's children represents some of the most painful chapters in his life story. Losing his infant son Scott to SIDS in 1959 was a trauma that shaped his early years as a father. Then, nearly 61 years later, the family faced another devastating loss when James succumbed to cancer in 2020.
These tragedies deeply affected Redford, who was known to be a devoted family man. In interviews over the years, he occasionally spoke about the importance of family and how these losses shaped his perspective on life and fatherhood. The pain of losing children is something that no parent should endure, and Redford's experience with this profound grief added depth and complexity to his already nuanced public persona.
Robert Redford as a Father and Grandfather
Despite his demanding career in Hollywood, Robert Redford was known to be a present and engaged father. He often spoke about the importance of family and made efforts to maintain strong relationships with his children throughout his life. His role as a grandfather brought him additional joy in his later years.
Redford's grandchildren include those from both Shauna and James's families. He was described as a loving and attentive grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his extended family, particularly at his properties in Utah where he could escape the pressures of Hollywood and focus on family connections.
How Robert Redford's Family Keeps His Legacy Alive
The Redford family continues to honor Robert's legacy through various means. His children have pursued careers that reflect his values and interests, from environmental activism to artistic expression. The Sundance Film Festival, which Redford founded in 1978, remains a cornerstone of independent cinema and continues to operate under the guidance of family and trusted associates.
James Redford's documentary work, in particular, carried forward many of his father's passions for social justice and environmental causes. Even after his passing, James's films continue to inspire and educate audiences about important issues.
Shauna's artistic pursuits and Amy's work in theater and film also represent different facets of the creative legacy that Robert established. Each child has found their own way to express themselves while honoring the values instilled by their famous father.
Robert Redford's Second Marriage and Later Years
After his divorce from Lola Van Wagenen in 1985, Robert Redford married German artist Sibylle Szaggars in 2009. While they did not have children together, Sibylle became an important part of Redford's later life and continued to support his various artistic and environmental endeavors until his passing in 2025.
Conclusion
Robert Redford's life was marked by extraordinary professional achievements and profound personal experiences, including the joys and sorrows of fatherhood. His four children with Lola Van Wagenen represented different chapters in his journey as a parent - from the heartbreaking loss of infant son Scott, to the artistic pursuits of Shauna, the documentary filmmaking of James, and the acting career of Amy.
The legacy of Robert Redford extends far beyond his cinematic accomplishments to include the family he built and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, the Redford family has continued to honor his memory through their own creative and humanitarian pursuits.
As we remember Robert Redford, we must also acknowledge the complete picture of his life - one that included not just the bright lights of Hollywood, but also the quiet moments of family life, the devastating losses that shaped him, and the enduring love that connected him to his children and grandchildren. His story reminds us that even the most celebrated public figures are also parents, spouses, and human beings navigating the complex journey of family life.