Inside Robert Redford’s Private Life: Marriage, Children, and Heartbreaking Tragedies
A widely shared account of Robert Redford’s life portrays him not only as a celebrated actor-director and the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, but also as a deeply family-centered man whose private world included devotion, profound grief, and generational legacy.
Key Points at a Glance
- Robert Redford (born August 18, 1936) rose to global fame through iconic performances and later reshaped independent cinema through Sundance.
- He and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, had four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy.
- The family experienced early tragedy when their first child, Scott, died at seven weeks old from SIDS.
- Redford’s children grew into creative and media-focused careers, with Sundance described as a legacy he intended to pass to the next generation.
- The account states Redford died on September 16, 2025, at age 89, in Sundance, Utah.
Who Robert Redford Was
Robert Redford is portrayed as a rare figure who succeeded across multiple worlds:
- Actor: internationally recognized leading man with enduring screen presence
- Director: respected storyteller behind the camera
- Cultural builder: founder of the Sundance Institute and the festival ecosystem that helped elevate independent voices
The narrative emphasizes that even at the height of fame, his emotional center remained his family.
First Marriage: Lola Van Wagenen and a Life Built Around Home
The account describes Redford’s first marriage as a defining chapter:
- Married: 1958
- Length: nearly three decades
- Family: the couple built a home life that revolved around everyday routines, especially the kitchen, with cooking described as a shared family practice.
A Tragedy That Shaped Everything
The family’s first major heartbreak arrived almost immediately:
- Scott Redford was born in 1959 and died at seven weeks old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- The narrative highlights how Redford kept his grief largely private, continuing forward while carrying a trauma that he acknowledged was difficult to process at such a young age.
Their Children and the Paths They Chose
The account outlines each child’s life and work, stressing that the Redford legacy extended beyond acting.
- Shauna Redford (born November 1960)
- Described as a successful painter rather than an actor
- Married to Eric Schlosser (the account says since 1985)
- They have two children: Conor and Mica
- Redford is quoted as indicating Sundance would increasingly be “in the hands of my children,” positioning Shauna and her siblings as future stewards of what he built.
- James Redford (“Jamie”)
- Portrayed as a gifted filmmaker and creative professional in his own right
- Known for projects including The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
- Married to Kyle (described as a long marriage)
- They have two children: Dylan and Lena
- The narrative includes Jamie’s perspective that the Redford name could be both an advantage and a challenge, emphasizing his desire to be judged by the quality of his work.
- Amy Redford
- Built a career as an actress, producer, and director
- The account mentions acting work (including Hate Crime and Candybar) and directing projects such as The Guitar and a music video connected to Jeff Buckley’s “Everyday People”
- She is described as advocating for women’s voices in a male-dominated industry
- Her personal life is outlined as including marriage(s), motherhood, and reflections on raising children and shaping family culture.
James Redford’s Passing
A later family tragedy is central to the account:
- James (“Jamie”) Redford is reported to have died in 2020 after living with a rare liver disease since childhood.
- The narrative states he endured two liver transplants and later faced liver cancer.
- The family is described as requesting privacy, while the wider community expressed support and grief.
Separation, Divorce Uncertainty, and a Second Marriage
The account portrays Redford’s first marriage as complicated in later years:
- A separation is described as occurring over time, with public reporting framed as unclear about the exact timing of divorce finalization.
- Many sources are said to list the divorce as occurring in 1985, though the narrative emphasizes uncertainty.
Later, Redford is described as building a long partnership with Sibylle Szaggars:
- Together since 1996 (living together is stated)
- Married in 2009 in Hamburg, Germany
Final Years and Reported Death
The account concludes by stating that Redford died:
- Date: September 16, 2025
- Place: Sundance, Utah
- Age: 89
- Circumstance: described as passing peacefully in his sleep
Timeline Summary
- 1936: Born August 18 in Santa Monica, California
- 1958: Marries Lola Van Wagenen
- 1959: Son Scott is born; dies at seven weeks old (SIDS)
- 1960: Daughter Shauna is born (November)
- 1981: Sundance Institute founded (as referenced in the narrative)
- 1980s: Separation/divorce timing described as unclear; divorce often listed as 1985
- 1996: Relationship/living arrangement with Sibylle Szaggars begins (as stated)
- 2009: Marries Sibylle Szaggars in Hamburg
- 2020: Son James (“Jamie”) dies (as stated)
- 2025: Redford dies September 16 in Sundance, Utah (as stated)
