Robert Redford was more than just a Hollywood icon; he was a man whose radiant public persona often belied a life steeped in profound personal sorrow and quiet resilience. Known for his piercing blue eyes, golden boy looks, and a career spanning legendary acting roles and an Oscar-winning directorial debut, Redford fiercely guarded his private world from the glare of celebrity. Yet, behind the scenes, his journey was marked by a series of heart-wrenching losses and an unwavering dedication to his family, a dedication he considered his greatest achievement.
His passing at age 89 brought forth a renewed appreciation for his artistic contributions, but it also cast a spotlight on the often-unseen struggles he navigated with remarkable grace. “There have been so many hits on our family that no one knows about, and I don’t want them to, for my family’s sake,” he once told People in 1998, encapsulating his desire to shield his loved ones from public scrutiny. It’s a testament to his strength that despite these deeply personal tragedies, he found solace and expression in his work, often channeling his own experiences into some of his most acclaimed projects.
We embark on a narrative journey, peering beyond the silver screen to understand the discreet heartbreaks and pivotal relationships that forged the man behind the legend. From the quiet adversities of his youth to the profound grief of losing children, Redford’s story is one of enduring spirit, an artist whose empathetic portrayal of human struggle was undoubtedly fueled by the depths of his own emotional landscape. His life reminds us that even the brightest stars carry their own hidden burdens, faced and overcome with a quiet courage that few ever truly see.
1. **Childhood Adversity and Early Losses:**Robert Redford’s path to becoming a global superstar was certainly not paved with ease, even from his earliest days. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in Santa Monica on August 18, 1936, he grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Los Angeles, far from the glitz and glamor that would later define his public image. His childhood was an ordinary one in many respects, filled with sports like tennis, football, and track and field, with a particular talent for baseball, alongside a love for Greek mythology and Sunday comics.
However, beneath this typical facade, Redford faced unique struggles that would shape his resilience. At age 11, he contracted a “mild case” of polio after swimming in the ocean, a disease that can lead to flu-like symptoms, brain inflammation, and paralysis. Though not severe enough for an iron lung, it kept him bedridden for weeks. This was before Jonas Salk developed the vaccine that was mass-administered in the ’50s and ’60s, making his recovery a testament to his early fortitude. He would later pay tribute to Salk by directing a segment about the Salk Institute in the documentary film “Cathedrals of Culture.”
The Redford family also grappled with silent grief, a pattern that would tragically repeat throughout Robert’s life. When he was a child, his mother experienced the devastating loss of twin girls shortly after their birth. True to the family’s stoic approach, Redford later recounted that they navigated these deaths by simply not talking about them, an unspoken rule to “bear the brunt of whatever comes your way, and you do it with grace.” This early exposure to unspoken sorrow undoubtedly laid a foundation for how he would later cope with his own immense personal losses, internalizing pain rather than openly discussing it.
2. **The Profound Loss of His Mother:**One of the most defining tragedies in Robert Redford’s young life was the unexpected death of his mother, Martha Woodruff Hart, when he was just 18 years old. In 1954, Martha died from septicemia, a bloodstream infection, at the tragically young age of 40. This loss struck Redford with immense grief, leaving a void that he openly admitted still haunted him decades later. “The regret that I had was that I couldn’t thank her,” he confided to Esquire in 2017, a poignant reflection on an unfinished farewell.
His mother was a vibrant and supportive presence in his early life, someone he described as “full of life, full of laughter, full of love.” She was adventurous, even teaching him to drive a car when he was ten, a secret shared between them. Redford recalled their close relationship, yet also the typical teenage desire for independence, pushing away the attention she wanted to give him. This youthful oversight became a source of later regret, as he realized the profound impact she had on his self-belief.
“My mom felt I could do anything. She was the only one who told me that, the one who really did believe that I was gonna do things,” he explained. Her encouragement, to “constantly be opened up” and “go out there and take chances,” deeply influenced his trajectory, even if he didn’t fully grasp it at the time. Redford called her death “so unfair” to AARP magazine in 2011 and later honored her at the Sundance Film Festival Utah Women’s Leadership Celebration in 2018.
While acknowledging the immense sorrow, he also admitted that her passing, coupled with his college expulsion, provided him with the freedom to “go off on my own, which I’d wanted to do for a long time,” propelling him towards a transformative period of self-discovery in Europe. The profound impact of her belief in him became clear only with the passage of time, a realization that shaped his understanding of life and loss.
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3. **Reckless Youth and College Expulsion:**Before he became the polished, thoughtful actor and director the world knew, Robert Redford navigated a turbulent and rebellious youth, marked by a penchant for mischief and a struggle with academic discipline. Growing up in Southern California, he gravitated towards a street gang in high school called the Barons, a period where he claimed he “toughened up fast.” This was a time of pushing boundaries, even reportedly being arrested for “borrowing an automobile that had stolen jewelry in its trunk” and being persuaded to jump off a rooftop to prove his manliness. These early brushes with danger instilled in him a philosophy of confronting fears rather than being led by them.
His athletic promise, particularly in baseball, earned him a collegiate scholarship at the University of Colorado in Boulder. However, this academic opportunity quickly unraveled. Redford immersed himself in a lifestyle of partying, drinking, and riding motorcycles, rather than focusing on his studies. His biography noted that he “had become beloved in the drinking circles but was regarded as a loose cannon,” indicating a shift in priorities that veered sharply from his athletic potential.
After just 18 months, Redford’s partying ways led to the loss of his baseball scholarship, and he was ultimately kicked out of college. He openly confessed to People that he “became the campus drunk and blew out before I could ever get going.” This period of academic failure, though disheartening, proved to be an unexpected turning point. Shaken and searching for direction after his mother’s death and this expulsion, Redford embraced the freedom it afforded him. He moved to Europe with his drawings and a nascent dream of becoming an artist, an experience that would ultimately lead him to discover his true calling in the arts and, eventually, acting.
4. **Marriage to Lola Van Wagenen: A Foundation Amidst Turmoil:**Upon his return to the United States in 1957, still reeling from personal loss and the bohemian life in Europe, Robert Redford met Lola Van Wagenen. Their encounter marked a significant turning point, a moment he later described as “saving my life.” They married in 1958, a young couple embarking on a new chapter just as Redford’s acting career was beginning to take shape in New York. Lola, described as young and shy, played a crucial role in grounding him and encouraging his artistic pursuits, pushing him to study art and, crucially, to explore acting.
Their marriage, which would span 27 years until 1985, became the bedrock of his family life, producing four children: Scott, Shauna, Jamie, and Amy. Lola provided a sense of stability and normalcy as Redford navigated the burgeoning demands of his professional life. She was a constant presence, managing the family home and raising their children while Redford rose to prominence, becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. This partnership allowed him to pursue his ambitious career goals, knowing he had a supportive and committed partner by his side.
Despite the eventual end of their marriage, Redford always spoke of Lola with deep respect and affection. He noted their divorce was “mutual and it was right to move on,” emphasizing that “We still have great love, great affection, great friendship. It is wonderful, and I think we probably deserve credit for it because the kids are great, they came through it okay.” Their ability to maintain a positive relationship post-divorce underscored the strong foundation they built, prioritizing their children’s well-being above all else.
5. **The Heartbreaking Loss of Infant Son, Scott Anthony:**Just as Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen were beginning their life together and Redford’s career was starting, they faced an unthinkable tragedy that would mark them forever. In September 1959, the couple welcomed their first child, a son they named Scott Anthony. However, their joy was devastatingly short-lived. Scott died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) within months, at just two and a half months old. This unexplained condition plunged the young parents into profound grief, a trauma that Redford later admitted they were ill-equipped to handle at such a young age.
“We were just starting our lives; I was just starting my career in New York. Of course it was traumatic, and how that plays out over time, I don’t know. We had to deal with it. You have to move on,” Redford told Esquire in 2017. He was only 21, and Lola 20, a raw experience that left an indelible mark. This devastating loss was kept largely private, a characteristic of how Redford chose to manage his family’s sorrows away from the public eye.
The emotional weight of losing Scott lingered, subtly influencing Redford throughout his life. He acknowledged that “something like that doesn’t get completely dismissed. It probably shows up in various small ways you’re not even aware of.” In a rare and poignant admission, Redford even revealed a haunting feeling of responsibility, stating, “This, I felt, was a disaster entirely of my creation.” This profound personal tragedy became a quiet shadow behind his burgeoning success, a constant reminder of life’s fragility and the deep emotional reservoirs he carried.
6. **Channeling Grief into Art: The Genesis of Ordinary People:**As Robert Redford ascended to superstardom with iconic roles in films like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* and *The Sting*, he also sought deeper challenges, eventually turning his talents to directing. His debut as a director, the 1980 adaptation of Judith Guest’s novel *Ordinary People*, was not just a critical triumph but a deeply personal endeavor that mirrored the profound grief he had experienced in his own life, particularly the loss of his infant son, Scott. The film starred Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland as parents grappling with the accidental death of one of their sons, a narrative that resonated with Redford’s own journey of loss.
Redford was drawn to the material precisely because of its emotional depth. “I was looking for a piece of material that was about behavior and feelings. When I read Judith Guest’s book, I thought, this is it,” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2016. The story’s exploration of a family’s fragmented response to tragedy, the unspoken pain, and the struggle to communicate echoed the very private way Redford’s own family had navigated its losses, particularly the death of his twin sisters and his mother, where “there was no talk about it.”
Despite initial skepticism from studios, who were hesitant about the dark themes and comedic actor Moore in a dramatic role, Redford’s persistence paid off spectacularly. *Ordinary People* garnered widespread acclaim, earning him the Oscar for Best Director and the movie winning Best Picture. Redford famously said he never watched the movie again after its release, stating, “It belongs to the public now; it no longer really belongs to me.” This act of artistic catharsis allowed him to process, externalize, and then release a story that undoubtedly tapped into his deepest personal experiences, transforming his private sorrow into a universally resonant work of art.
7. **Navigating Public Life with Private Pain:**Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Redford maintained a fierce dedication to separating his public persona from his private life, a principle he upheld rigorously, especially when it came to his family’s struggles. Despite achieving global fame and becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, he consciously worked to keep his personal challenges and the heartbreaks within his family out of the public eye. “I’ve always separated my public self from the private so I could have one,” he stated in 1990, articulating a boundary vital for his well-being. “I don’t feel I’ve owed my life to the public—a performance, yes, but my life, no.”
This commitment to privacy was particularly poignant given the numerous tragedies he endured. From the loss of his mother and infant son to the later health battles and deaths of other family members, Redford carried these burdens with a quiet stoicism. He often expressed frustration with the public perception of his life being easy, remarking, “People think it’s been easy for me. That’s hard to live with. It’s so untrue.” For Redford, the hardest thing in the world was seeing his children suffer, a sentiment that underscored the depth of his paternal love and the protective instincts he harbored.
Despite his unparalleled success in film, Redford unequivocally declared his children to be his “greatest achievement.” “I’ve made some interesting movies, and I’ve been very satisfied with the work, but if someone wrapped it all up and said to me, ‘What’s your greatest achievement?’ I’d say, ‘The children. They’re the best thing in my life,’” he told People in 1998. This declaration powerfully conveyed that, beyond the accolades and the global adoration, his identity as a father and the well-being of his family remained at the absolute core of who he was, a profound anchor in a life often buffeted by both professional pressures and personal sorrows.
His ability to convey such deep emotion onscreen, often with few words, was undeniably fueled by the rich, albeit painful, tapestry of his own experiences. It was this intricate dance between his intensely private grief and his publicly celebrated artistry that made Robert Redford such a compelling and enduring figure, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and love amidst profound adversity.
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8. **The Prolonged Battle and Ultimate Loss of Son, Jamie Redford:**Robert Redford’s life was tragically marked by the enduring health struggles of his second son, James, affectionately known as Jamie. Born in 1962, Jamie faced significant health challenges from a young age, battling primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the liver and bile ducts. This condition necessitated two critical liver transplants in 1993, a grueling period that tested the family’s resilience.
During Jamie’s first transplant, his father, Robert, demonstrated immense devotion, flying every weekend from filming duties in Omaha to be by his son’s side. Redford even offered Jamie a screenwriting job during this trying time, a gesture Jamie later described as a “gesture of hope, something to hang in for” when he was at his lowest. This shared experience forged an unbreakable bond between father and son, united by their profound connection and a shared passion for storytelling.
Jamie not only recovered but thrived, channeling his experience into impactful advocacy. He founded the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, dedicated to raising awareness about organ donation, and made documentaries on the subject, including the 1999 film *The Kindness of Strangers*. He continued to work alongside his father for years, leaving his own legacy as a respected documentary filmmaker focused on environmental conservation through The Redford Center.
Tragically, Jamie’s health battles resurfaced. While awaiting another liver transplant in 2019, he was diagnosed with bile-duct cancer. He passed away on October 16, 2020, at the age of 58, another immense grief for his father to bear. Jamie’s wife, Kyle Redford, announced his passing on X, highlighting his beautiful and impactful life. Robert’s publicist stated that he was “mourning with his family during this difficult time and asks for privacy,” adding, “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment.”
For Robert, Jamie’s death was yet another profound loss he chose to navigate away from the public eye. It underscored his unwavering commitment to privacy, even as his heart undoubtedly ached. The passing of Jamie, who was his creative partner and a mirror to his own artistic spirit, was a testament to the quiet strength with which Redford faced life’s most devastating blows, finding solace in the lasting impact of his son’s work and advocacy.
9. **Daughter Shauna Redford: An Artist’s Quiet Path and Unthinkable Loss:**Robert Redford’s eldest daughter, Shauna Redford, born in 1960, carved out a life that beautifully blended artistic expression with a fiercely guarded privacy, much like her father. Growing up between the bustling energy of New York and the serene landscapes of Utah, Shauna developed into a talented painter, earning recognition within the art community for her compelling works. Her chosen path reflected a deep creative spirit, a thread that clearly runs through the Redford family.
In 1985, Shauna married Eric Schlosser, an acclaimed investigative journalist and author, best known for his groundbreaking book *Fast Food Nation*. Their wedding took place at her parents’ home in Provo, Utah, a private affair that mirrored the family’s preference for discretion. Together, they raised two children, Mica and Conor, who would later embark on their own creative and professional journeys, further extending the Redford legacy of artistic curiosity.
However, Shauna’s life was also touched by an unthinkable tragedy during her college years. While studying art at the University of Colorado Boulder, she fell in love with journalism student Sid Wells. Their relationship, built on shared dorm experiences and mutual affection, blossomed over three happy years. But on August 1, 1983, their time together was brutally cut short when Sid’s older brother, Sam, discovered his body with a single shotgun wound to the back of the head.
The devastating murder left Shauna heartbroken. She was named “survivor, girlfriend and best friend” in Sid’s obituary, a poignant acknowledgment of her profound loss. So deeply affected, Shauna left the university altogether, and her supportive father, Robert, immediately halted production of his film *The Natural* to attend Sid’s funeral with his family. Suspicions arose around Sid’s flatmate, Thayne Smika, who was arrested, but ultimately, prosecutors decided against charging him due to insufficient evidence. A year later, Shauna was involved in a car accident near Salt Lake City, thankfully escaping with only minor injuries. These harrowing events underscored the often-unseen struggles that Redford’s family endured, despite their public profile.
Shauna’s journey illustrates a remarkable resilience, navigating profound grief and personal trauma while continuing to pursue her artistic passions and raise her own family. Her quiet strength and dedication to her art and family, even in the face of such public sorrow, serve as a powerful testament to the Redford family’s enduring spirit.
10. **Daughter Amy Redford: Embracing the Artistic Journey:**Amy Redford, the youngest of Robert Redford’s four children, born in 1970, has emerged as a compelling figure in the arts, bravely forging her own path in directing, producing, and acting. Like her father and siblings, Amy was steeped in a creative environment, growing up between the vibrant cultural scenes of New York and the natural beauty of Utah. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling and performance.
Her artistic journey led her to study theater in San Francisco, laying the groundwork for a versatile career. Amy has made a name for herself not only behind the camera but also in front of it, with acting credits on prominent television shows such as *The Sopranos* and *Sex and the City*. Her presence on screen and her directorial vision showcase a talent that is distinctly her own, while clearly influenced by her extraordinary lineage.
Watching her father work throughout her childhood left an indelible mark on Amy, shaping her understanding of the film industry. She once shared her fascination, stating, “As a kid I witnessed the process of my dad [Robert Redford] making films and the extraordinary cast of characters that came together to make it happen… I found myself drawn to the nomadic and creative life that that implied.” This firsthand exposure undeniably fueled her desire to enter the world of cinema, embracing its dynamic and collaborative nature.
Amy has also openly spoken about her own health challenges, adding another layer to her relatable human experience. She reflected on a difficult period in her twenties, revealing, “I went through a period in my life in my 20s when I had chronic laryngitis for three years and I realize now that I was not my authentic self.” This candid admission highlights her journey of self-discovery and authenticity, a journey that resonates deeply with audiences who navigate their own personal struggles.
Today, Amy is a proud mother of three daughters, including Eden, born in 2008, and twins born in 2010. She continues to contribute to the arts, carrying forward her family’s legacy of creativity and passion. Her commitment to diverse roles within film, combined with her personal narrative, makes her a compelling voice in contemporary storytelling, deeply rooted in the Redford family’s artistic traditions.
11. **The Enduring Bond: Robert and Lola’s Post-Divorce Friendship:**While Robert Redford’s marriage to Lola Van Wagenen concluded in 1985 after 27 years, their relationship evolved into something equally profound and enduring: a deep friendship built on mutual respect and shared history. For many celebrity couples, divorce can be contentious, but Redford and Van Wagenen managed to navigate their separation with grace, prioritizing their children’s well-being above all else. Their ability to maintain such a positive connection spoke volumes about the strong foundation they had built.
Redford consistently spoke of Lola with immense affection, emphasizing the amicable nature of their split. He noted that their divorce was “mutual and it was right to move on,” underscoring a shared understanding that allowed both to transition into new phases of their lives without animosity. This perspective offered a rare glimpse into a mature and considerate separation, setting a powerful example.
Their continued bond was especially evident in their co-parenting efforts. Redford proudly stated, “We still have great love, great affection, great friendship. It is wonderful, and I think we probably deserve credit for it because the kids are great, they came through it okay.” This statement powerfully conveys their success in shielding their children from the emotional fallout often associated with divorce, allowing them to thrive and forge strong paths.
The enduring love and respect between Robert and Lola remained a cornerstone of Redford’s private world. Their ability to transform a romantic partnership into a lasting friendship provided a stable environment for their children, and it stands as a testament to the depth of their original connection and their shared commitment to family, even after their paths diverged.
12. **New Beginnings: Relationships After Lola:**Following his divorce from Lola Van Wagenen in 1985, Robert Redford embarked on a new chapter in his personal life, marked by a series of casual relationships before ultimately finding a lasting partnership. Despite his global fame and the constant glare of Hollywood, Redford managed to maintain a relatively discreet approach to these connections, staying true to his lifelong commitment to privacy. The details often emerged through media reports rather than his own public pronouncements.
Among the women he was reportedly linked with were costume designer Kathy O’Rear, French supermodel Nathalie Naud, and actress Debra Winger. These relationships were typically kept out of the intense spotlight, allowing Redford a degree of personal space that he fiercely protected. Each connection was a part of his journey through the post-divorce years, as he navigated life as a single man while continuing his prolific career.
One significant relationship that garnered more attention was his seven-year partnership with acclaimed Brazilian actress Sonia Braga. Their romance was a notable presence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, offering a glimpse into Redford’s personal life after his long first marriage. However, even this high-profile pairing was managed with Redford’s characteristic discretion, ensuring it didn’t overshadow his professional endeavors or family life.
The culmination of this journey towards a new, lasting partnership came in 1996 when Redford met Sibylle Szaggars at his cherished Sundance Mountain Resort. This encounter would mark the beginning of a profound connection, leading to his second marriage and a new phase of personal fulfillment, reaffirming his capacity for deep and meaningful relationships.
13. **A Second Chapter: Marriage to Sibylle Szaggars:**After years of a single life punctuated by various relationships, Robert Redford found enduring love and a profound connection with German painter Sibylle Szaggars. Their paths first crossed in 1996 at his beloved Sundance Mountain Resort, an encounter that Sibylle, initially unfamiliar with the extent of his celebrity, described as a “wonderful beginning of a relationship.” This refreshing lack of preconception allowed them to connect purely as “two human beings meeting each other and finding a connection,” a dynamic Redford deeply valued, free from the trappings of his fame.
Sibylle, born in Hamburg, Germany, had already established herself as an artist, moving to London in the 1980s before eventually settling in the United States. Her artistic sensibility and commitment to environmental causes deeply resonated with Redford’s own passions, forging a powerful bond between them. Their relationship blossomed over more than a decade before they decided to formalize their union, exchanging vows in a small, private ceremony in Germany in 2009, attended by just 30 family members and friends.
Redford openly credited Sibylle with bringing a renewed sense of purpose and joy to his life, once remarking that she had given him “a whole new life.” Their shared dedication to art and environmentalism became a central pillar of their partnership. Sibylle, an environmental artist, founded the non-profit organization The Way of the Rain in 2015, an initiative dedicated to exploring climate change through artistic expression. Robert proudly served as a vice president for the organization, actively supporting her vision.
Sibylle remained a steadfast and devoted presence by Robert’s side, sharing his final years in the tranquil surroundings of his Utah home. Their marriage beautifully illustrated Redford’s ability to find profound connection and creative inspiration in his later life, demonstrating that love and partnership could continue to enrich even a life as full and storied as his, right up until his peaceful passing.
14. **The Redford Legacy Lives On: Grandchildren and Artistic Paths:**Beyond his legendary contributions to cinema, Robert Redford’s most cherished legacy was undoubtedly his family, particularly his children and grandchildren. He often articulated that his children were his “greatest achievement,” and this pride extended to the younger generations who now carry forward his values of creativity, artistic curiosity, and a deep connection to the world around them. Many of his grandchildren have chosen paths that mirror Redford’s own artistic and humanistic inclinations.
Shauna Redford’s children, Mica and Conor Schlosser, exemplify this continuation of the creative spirit. Mica works as a talented copywriter and illustrator in New York, combining storytelling with visual art, while Conor has established himself as a producer in New York, contributing to the vibrant media landscape. Their pursuits reflect a modern iteration of the storytelling and artistic passion that defined their grandfather’s career.
Jamie Redford’s children, Dylan and Lena, also demonstrate a strong connection to the arts. Dylan Redford is an accomplished filmmaker who had the unique opportunity to collaborate with his grandfather, learning directly from the master. Lena Hart Redford, Jamie’s second daughter, is a painter and filmmaker, embodying a blend of visual artistry and narrative creation. Their work highlights how the Redford family’s artistic DNA continues to evolve and flourish across generations.
At the time of his passing, Robert Redford was blessed with seven grandchildren, many of whom are actively engaged in creative fields. Their diverse talents, from filmmaking to illustration and production, represent a living testament to Redford’s influence and the enduring power of family bonds. They are not merely carrying on a name, but actively contributing to the cultural tapestry, ensuring that the Redford legacy of artistic integrity, thoughtful engagement, and a quiet resilience continues to inspire for years to come.
Robert Redford’s remarkable life was a tapestry woven with both dazzling public triumphs and profound, intensely private sorrows. From battling childhood polio and navigating college expulsion to the unimaginable grief of outliving two of his sons, he faced adversity with a quiet fortitude that few ever truly saw. Yet, through it all, his unwavering dedication to his family remained his greatest beacon, a truth he articulated with simple, heartfelt clarity: his children were his greatest achievement. His ability to channel his deepest heartbreaks into universally resonant art, all while fiercely guarding his loved ones from the public gaze, cemented his status not just as a Hollywood icon, but as a man of extraordinary resilience and unwavering paternal love. His passing at age 89 in his beloved Utah mountains, surrounded by those he cherished, marked the end of an era, but the legacy of his spirit—both artistic and familial—will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly.
