Few stars have balanced dazzling fame with such guarded privacy as Robert Redford. His life and career were shaped by triumphs and tragedies that many knew little about, yet his influence on independent filmmaking, his humanitarian efforts, and his cinematic charm are remembered worldwide. He became synonymous with rugged sophistication, his talent combined with understated elegance, making his influence extend far beyond the screen into culture and activism.
Despite decades in the relentless glare of Hollywood, Redford meticulously built a life anchored in nature and family, nurturing his career while raising his children in a grounded, private environment far from tabloid distractions. This quest for authenticity, for a life defined by quiet strength and meaningful causes, often led him to keep his most personal experiences close to his heart, revealing them only selectively. It is within this deeply personal realm that we find the profound impact of the women who truly marked his journey.
From the foundational partnerships that provided solace and family, to the significant romantic relationships that shaped different periods of his life, these women were more than just figures in his story; they were architects of his resilience, sources of his joy, and anchors in his world. Their stories offer a rare glimpse into the private heart of a Hollywood legend, illuminating the depths of his affection and the complex tapestry of love, loss, and unwavering commitment that defined Robert Redford.
1. Lola Van Wagenen: His Enduring First Love and Family Foundation
While studying at university, Robert Redford encountered Lola Van Wagenen, a young historian described as having a passionate, inquisitive mind. The couple’s whirlwind courtship captured the spirit of youthful spontaneity and set the stage for a long-term commitment. In 1958, they married in Las Vegas, a choice that probably “reflected the practical, down-to-earth nature of their relationship.” Soon after, they moved between cultural hubs like New York and the natural tranquility of Utah.
Determined to avoid the relentless glare of Hollywood, Redford and Van Wagenen built a life “anchored in nature and family.” This carefully curated balance allowed Redford to nurture his burgeoning career while raising his children in a grounded, private environment far from the incessant tabloid distractions that often plague public figures. Their shared commitment to privacy became a cornerstone of their enduring partnership.
In 1959, the couple welcomed their first child, Scott. Tragically, he died just two months later from sudden infant death syndrome. “The devastating loss deeply marked Redford, shaping his quiet resilience.” Years later, Redford reflected on the experience, admitting that “the pain never truly faded but taught him profound empathy and perspective.” Scott’s passing remained a defining moment for Redford and Lola, profoundly influencing their approach to life and parenthood.
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen’s marriage spanned nearly three decades, a “remarkable feat in Hollywood’s often fleeting relationships.” Their enduring partnership weathered personal losses and the challenges of balancing public life with private family moments. Though it ultimately ended in divorce, finalized in 1985 after 27 years together, their bond endured through mutual respect and dedication to their children. Redford publicly expressed gratitude for their friendship and collaboration as parents, while Lola went on to become an acclaimed historian and activist.
2. Sibylle Szaggars: A Shared Passion for Art and Environment
Finding love again, Redford met Sibylle Szaggars, a German painter and environmental activist, in 1996 at the Sundance Mountain Resort. Their shared love for nature and art immediately “created a profound bond.” A refreshing factor in their connection was that Szaggars knew little of his filmography, which “deepened their genuine connection and mutual respect” away from the glitz of his celebrity status.
Their love story blossomed “in the serene surroundings of Sundance, far from the glamour of Hollywood.” This setting profoundly “symbolized the peace Redford long sought in his personal life.” After living together in his Sundance, Utah residence since 1996, they married in 2009 in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, marking a new beginning anchored in shared values.
Environmental activism was a “cornerstone of Redford and Szaggars’ life together.” Both dedicated themselves to raising awareness about climate change and nature conservation. In 2015, Szaggars founded The Way Of The Rain, a non-profit organization that blended art and environmental education, complementing Redford’s decades-long advocacy for protecting the planet’s natural heritage.
Robert Redford’s wife, Sibylle, a German-born multimedia and environmental artist, remains a vital partner in his life. Both she and Redford share a deep love for Utah and are active environmentalists, with Sibylle serving as the creative director of her non-profit that uses art to address climate change. She is also the stepmother to Robert’s children from his previous marriage, integrating seamlessly into his deeply cherished family life.
Read more about: Robert Redford’s Love Story: Why His Wife Never Watched His Films & Their Decades of Private Devotion
3. His Daughters, Shauna and Amy: Nurturing a Creative Legacy
The arrival of their daughter, Shauna, in 1960 brought renewed hope and joy to the family after the devastating loss of their first child, Scott. Shauna pursued a passion for the arts, later marrying journalist Eric Schlosser in a ceremony at her parents’ home in Provo Canyon. Today, she is remembered as an accomplished creative figure and devoted mother of two, forging her own path in the creative world.
Amy Hart Redford, born in 1970, inherited her father’s creative spark but channeled it into theater and independent filmmaking. Raised between Utah and New York, she later moved to San Francisco to study acting, further solidifying the family’s artistic inclinations. Her artistic journey, along with her role as a mother, reflects the family’s ongoing dedication to culture and storytelling across generations.
Despite the formidable demands of fame, Redford consistently prioritized fatherhood, often retreating from Hollywood’s bustling energy to spend quality time with his children. He “encouraged their individuality—supporting Shauna’s artistic ambitions and fostering a love of nature and creativity in all his kids.” This deliberate nurturing helped shape their distinct identities away from the pressures of his public life.
Redford’s life “was shaped by profound personal losses,” including the passing of his sons Scott and David James. In this context, the enduring presence and flourishing creative paths of Shauna and Amy represent not only joy but also a testament to resilience. They embody the continuity of his family’s artistic and grounded values, truly marking his life by carrying forward a legacy steeped in creativity and a quiet dignity that mirrors their father’s own humanity.
4. Sonia Braga: A Glimpse into a Private Romance
Among Robert Redford’s “most notable relationships” after his first marriage, the context lists a romance with Brazilian actress Sonia Braga, reportedly lasting seven years, though other sources indicate a shorter period between 1987 and 1988. Their relationship allegedly commenced on the set of *The Milagro Beanfield War*, a 1988 film directed by Robert Redford, sparking considerable speculation about their connection.
Despite his status as a major Hollywood star, Redford consistently “kept his romantic life discreet.” Even during these high-profile relationships, his “private nature… reflected a desire to separate his personal life from Hollywood’s constant public scrutiny.” This was a defining characteristic throughout his life, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to maintaining boundaries around his most personal affairs.
While “many have speculated about Sonia and Robert’s relationship, there is no clear evidence that they dated,” with their “on-screen connection” potentially sparking the rumors. Both stars were “known to maintain their personal lives away from their professional endeavors,” further emphasizing Redford’s guarded approach even when linked romantically to another public figure in the media.
This period of Redford’s life, occurring between his divorce from Lola and his eventual enduring partnership with Sibylle, offers insight into his continued search for companionship while upholding his deep commitment to privacy. Even relationships that garnered public attention were carefully managed by Redford, preventing them from becoming tabloid fodder and allowing him to control the narrative of his personal journey through a challenging phase of his life.
5. Lena Olin and Kathy O’Rear: Transient Connections in a Public Life
Following his divorce from Lola Van Wagenen, Robert Redford’s romantic journey included relationships with Swedish actress Lena Olin and costume designer Kathy O’Rear. These connections, though not as long-lasting as his marriages, serve as significant markers in the period leading up to his enduring partnership with Sibylle Szaggars, offering insights into his personal life during a transitional phase.
Redford was in a romantic relationship with Lena Olin from 1990 to 1991. They began dating in 1990, after meeting on the set of the film *Havana*. According to IMDb, Lena and Redford maintained a romantic relationship even after the film was completed. This professional origin, evolving into a personal relationship, highlights the blurred lines that often exist in the world of filmmaking.
Subsequently, Robert Redford and Kathy O’Rear became romantically involved in the mid-1990s. Kathy, a costume designer, appeared with Redford at “several public events,” which offered rare glimpses into their connection. However, their relationship was “brief, as Robert soon began dating Sibylle Szaggars,” indicating a relatively short, yet publicly acknowledged, interlude in his romantic history.
These relationships, though relatively short-lived compared to his two marriages, played a role in Redford’s personal narrative, occurring during a transitional phase in his life. They underscore his consistent desire for companionship while simultaneously reinforcing his overall inclination towards privacy and a grounded existence, even amidst the often transient nature of some romantic engagements within the demanding sphere of Hollywood celebrity.
Beyond the personal connections that anchored Robert Redford’s private world, his professional life was similarly illuminated by formidable women whose on-screen chemistry with him became legendary. Among these, Jane Fonda stands out as a collaborator who shared a unique and enduring partnership with Redford across four iconic films. Their natural rapport blossomed from their early days, capturing the hearts of audiences and establishing a standard for cinematic romance that transcended mere acting.
Their journey together began with *The Chase* in 1966, followed swiftly by the charming romantic comedy *Barefoot In The Park* in 1967, where their natural chemistry truly charmed audiences and set a benchmark for on-screen relationships. Decades later, they would reunite for *The Electric Horseman* in 1979 and, most notably, *Our Souls At Night* in 2017. Fonda, with her characteristic candor, often spoke openly about their profound connection and the palpable magnetism that existed between them, even jokingly confessing, “I live for scenes with him.”
Her playful remark underscores the deep comfort and trust they shared as actors, allowing them to explore intimate scenes with a rare authenticity. This enduring professional respect, coupled with a genuine personal friendship, remained strong throughout their careers. It was this powerful bond that ultimately drew Fonda back to collaborate with Redford one last time for *Our Souls At Night*, a poignant reunion that allowed them to portray a different facet of love, as she stated, “I wanted to see what it was like to fall in love with him again. In *Barefoot in the Park*, we played that young love just getting married and now we’ve played old people’s love — and old people’s .” Their partnership truly embodied the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood collaborations built on a foundation of trust and mutual admiration, echoing the sentiment of a timeless cinematic appeal.
7. Meryl Streep: A Magnetic Chemistry in the African Savanna
The cinematic landscape of Robert Redford’s career would be incomplete without acknowledging the powerful synergy he shared with Meryl Streep in the acclaimed 1985 film, *Out of Africa*. This sweeping historical romance captured the imagination of millions, portraying a passionate and complex love story against the breathtaking backdrop of colonial Kenya. Streep, a titan of acting in her own right, found herself profoundly affected by her co-star, admitting to developing a “huge crush on him” during the production, an emotion that undoubtedly fueled their unforgettable on-screen chemistry.
Working alongside Redford, Streep discovered a collaborative partner whose presence was both grounding and inspiring. She described him as “really wonderful to work with,” highlighting his “unusual quality for a man”—a remarkably receptive nature and an “incred- ibly good listener.” These qualities, often understated in the high-octane world of Hollywood, allowed for a nuanced and deeply empathetic interaction between the two, enriching their performances and making their characters’ bond all the more believable and poignant. It speaks volumes to Redford’s ability to connect genuinely with his colleagues, drawing out their best work.
The intense emotional connection culminated in one of cinema’s most talked-about romantic moments: the first kiss between their characters, Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton. This particular scene was a genuine surprise for Streep, who, still reeling from the experience, famously declared Redford “the best kisser I ever met in the movies.” This candid admission cemented their legendary status as one of Hollywood’s most sensual pairings, highlighting not just their acting prowess but the sheer, undeniable magnetism that made their portrayal of love so utterly convincing.
Beyond the iconic kiss, *Out of Africa* also featured an amazingly scene that resonated deeply with audiences without resorting to explicit nudity. Director Sydney Pollack famously articulated his vision for this intimacy, stating, “When I have Streep and Redford together, I don’t want to see them strip and writhe around in bed together.” Instead, he crafted the scene with just three powerful lines: “Don’t move. I want to move. Don’t move.” This masterful restraint allowed the romantic spell of the film to remain unbroken, etching the moment into film history as a testament to the profound emotional connection that could be conveyed without overt display, proving the depth of their artistry.
8. Barbra Streisand: The Enigma of Hubbell Gardiner
The 1973 classic *The Way We Were* offered another indelible portrait of Robert Redford’s on-screen allure, this time opposite the incomparable Barbra Streisand. Their pairing as Hubbell Gardiner and Katie Morosky became an enduring emblem of contrasting personalities bound by an undeniable attraction and the complexities of love and politics. Yet, bringing Redford into the role of Hubbell was no easy feat, with Streisand herself acknowledging the challenges in securing his participation, underscoring his discerning approach to his projects and his commitment to selecting roles that truly resonated with him.
Streisand, reflecting on their dynamic, astutely pinpointed the source of Redford’s unparalleled iness: his inherent mystery. She observed, “You never quite know what he’s thinking,” attributing much of his captivating appeal to “the power of restraint.” This enigmatic quality, a deliberate choice by Redford to reveal only glimpses of his inner world, created a profound magnetism that left audiences perpetually wanting more. It’s this carefully curated sense of withheld emotion, she believes, that keeps viewers engaged and captivated by his presence, making him an enduring object of fascination both on and off screen.
This deep understanding of Redford’s unique charm played a crucial role in their on-screen chemistry, which sizzled with an intensity that defied their characters’ differences. One of the most cherished moments from *The Way We Were*, for Streisand, was the classic scene where she tenderly moves his hair from his forehead. This simple, intimate gesture, accompanied by their shared gaze, spoke volumes about the unspoken affection and deep connection between Hubbell and Katie. It was a moment of quiet vulnerability and profound intimacy that perfectly encapsulated the elusive, yet powerful, bond that defined their relationship and solidified their place in cinematic lore, proving that true chemistry is often found in the subtlest of interactions.
9. Faye Dunaway: When Captivity Met Charisma
In 1975, Robert Redford took on a distinctly different, yet equally compelling, role in the spy thriller *Three Days of the Condor*, starring opposite the formidable Faye Dunaway. As a CIA researcher on the run, Redford’s character, Joe Turner, inadvertently kidnaps Dunaway’s character, Kathy Hale, creating an unusual and tense dynamic that evolves into an unexpected alliance. This narrative premise inherently presented a unique challenge for Dunaway, whose character was meant to be in a state of “mortal fear” of her captor, a powerful emotion that Redford’s undeniable charisma made difficult to portray authentically.
Dunaway candidly shared the internal struggle she faced while trying to convey her character’s terror. She admitted, “We had some trouble, I have to say, because my character was kidnapped by him and in mortal fear… and you can’t have those feelings about Redford.” Her struggle was a testament to Redford’s pervasive charm and appeal, which, even in a role where he was meant to be perceived as a threat, made it nearly impossible for her to feel anything but admiration and a strange sense of comfort. It speaks to an almost irresistible quality that he possessed, capable of disarming even the most intensely written adversarial relationships.
Her humorous yet truthful reflection — “You just say, ‘Yes! Fine! Good!’ because he’s so gorgeous and he has such a kind of wonderful charisma” — perfectly encapsulates the magnetic force Redford exerted on screen. It highlights how his inherent appeal could override narrative intentions, making him an almost universally admired figure, even in a scenario where his character’s actions were questionable. This film collaboration, therefore, offered a fascinating insight into the raw power of Redford’s screen presence, demonstrating how his natural magnetism could shape the very essence of a scene and the audience’s perception, leaving an indelible mark on his co-stars.
10. Glenn Close: The Unconventional Reunion in *The Natural*
Robert Redford’s versatility as an actor allowed him to forge compelling connections with a diverse array of leading ladies, each bringing a unique dynamic to their shared cinematic journey. In the beloved 1984 film *The Natural*, he starred as Roy Hobbs, a gifted baseball player with a mysterious past, opposite Glenn Close, who portrayed Iris Gaines, the mother of his estranged child. Close, a veteran actress known for her powerful performances, holds Redford’s character in particularly high esteem, affectionately giving Roy Hobbs “the top spot in her movie husband ratings,” a testament to the character’s enduring appeal and Redford’s masterful portrayal.
Among the many memorable scenes in *The Natural*, Close’s favorite wasn’t necessarily the most overtly passionate or romantic, but one that resonated with profound emotional depth. She spoke fondly of the scene depicting her character’s reconciliation with Hobbs, a reunion that occurs 16 years after their initial parting, during which she had raised their child alone. This moment, laden with unspoken history and quiet understanding, avoided cliché, presenting a more mature and complex love than often depicted in Hollywood narratives, highlighting the enduring impact of their shared past.
Close appreciated the scene’s nuanced portrayal, noting, “I love that scene because you would think she’d just completely throw herself into his arms, but she doesn’t.” Her character, Iris, approaches the reunion with a cautious dignity, uncertain of the man Roy Hobbs has become and protective of her son. This thoughtful response showcases a rare depth for a cinematic character, emphasizing Iris’s strength and independence, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring the right environment for her child, rather than succumbing to immediate emotional impulses, a reflection of real-life complexities.
This moment, alongside another powerful scene where Iris confronts Roy, led Close to quip, “I don’t know how many women in movies have actually thrown Robert Redford out of their apartment!” This humorous observation underscores the atypical strength and agency of her character, and by extension, the compelling dynamic Redford was capable of fostering with his female co-stars. It highlights his willingness to share the screen with equally powerful actresses, allowing them to shine and contribute to the rich tapestry of his professional legacy, further cementing his reputation as a gracious and supportive collaborator who elevated every performance.
As we reflect on the remarkable tapestry of Robert Redford’s life, it becomes abundantly clear that the women who surrounded him, both personally and professionally, were not mere supporting players but pivotal forces. From the steadfast anchor of Lola Van Wagenen and the shared passions with Sibylle Szaggars, to the unwavering love of his daughters and the transient yet impactful romances that shaped his private self, these relationships built the foundation of his resilience and humanity. On screen, his legendary collaborations with iconic actresses like Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand, Faye Dunaway, and Glenn Close didn’t just create cinematic magic; they forged indelible bonds and showcased a captivating magnetism that transcended the silver screen. Each woman, in her unique way, contributed to the multifaceted narrative of a man who balanced dazzling fame with an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a grounded existence, forever marking the extraordinary journey of Robert Redford.
