The Women Behind The Icon: A Look At Robert Redford's Two Wives, Lola Van Wagenen And Sibylle Szaggars
The legendary life of Hollywood icon Robert Redford, who passed away in September 2024, was one defined by both cinematic brilliance and a deep commitment to the arts, activism, and his family. While his decades-long career captivated the world, the women who stood by his side—his two wives—played equally significant, albeit more private, roles in shaping his personal and professional journey. As of the current date, December 25, 2025, the legacy of his relationships with both Lola Van Wagenen and Sibylle Szaggars Redford continues to be a subject of public interest, revealing the complex, enduring bonds he forged.
Redford’s marriages spanned over six decades, each partner bringing a unique perspective and shared passion that influenced his life far beyond the spotlight. From his first wife, a dedicated historian and activist who married him before his superstardom, to his second wife, a German-born environmental artist, these relationships highlight a man who valued substance, intellect, and a shared dedication to important causes.
A Complete Look at Robert Redford's Wives and Family
Robert Redford, born Charles Robert Redford Jr., was married twice in his lifetime. Both women are accomplished professionals in their own right, and their unions with the actor-director produced a profound family legacy.
Lola Van Wagenen: First Wife (1958–1985)
- Full Name: Lola Jean Van Wagenen
- Born: December 19, 1938 (Age 87 in 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Historian, Environmental Activist, Educator
- Marriage Date: August 9, 1958
- Divorce Date: 1985
- Children with Redford: Four (Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy)
- Key Accomplishments: Co-founder of Consumer Action Now (CAN), Co-founder of Clio Visualizing History, holds a Ph.D. in American History.
Sibylle Szaggars Redford: Second Wife (2009–2024)
- Full Name: Sibylle Szaggars Redford
- Born: 1957 (Age 68 in 2025)
- Nationality: German
- Profession: Multimedia Environmental Artist
- Relationship Started: Circa 1996
- Marriage Date: July 2009
- End of Marriage: September 16, 2024 (Robert Redford's passing)
- Children with Redford: None
- Key Accomplishments: Creator of "The Way of The Rain," a multimedia performance art piece focused on climate change awareness. Her work has been exhibited globally.
Lola Van Wagenen: The Marriage Before Stardom and a Shared Legacy
Robert Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, a pivotal time when the future Hollywood legend was still a struggling actor and student. Their wedding took place in Las Vegas, a quiet start to a relationship that would endure for 27 years.
Lola was instrumental in Redford's early life, providing stability as he pursued his demanding career. Their marriage predates his rise to superstardom with films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting.
A Partnership of Tragedy and Resilience
The couple faced immense hardship early in their marriage with the tragic loss of their first child, Scott, who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at just two and a half months old in 1959.
This shared trauma, and the subsequent birth of three more children—Shauna, James, and Amy—cemented a bond of resilience. Their son, James Redford, tragically passed away in 2020 after a battle with liver cancer, a profound loss for the entire family.
Lola's Own Accomplishments: Historian and Activist
While often noted as Redford’s first wife, Lola Van Wagenen is an accomplished figure in her own right. She dedicated her life to education and activism. In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a non-profit organization focused on environmental and consumer education.
Later in life, she pursued serious academic work, earning a Ph.D. in American History from New York University (NYU). Her professional focus shifted to public history, including co-founding Clio Visualizing History, a non-profit organization that creates educational media.
Their divorce in 1985 was notably amicable, a rarity in Hollywood. Redford later reflected that the strain of his career and the loss of privacy contributed to the split, but they remained supportive of each other and their children.
Sibylle Szaggars Redford: The Environmental Artist and Final Chapter
Robert Redford found love again with Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born multimedia environmental artist. They met in 1996 at Redford's Sundance Mountain Resort, a place that embodies their shared passion for nature and the arts.
The couple dated for over a decade before marrying in 2009 in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. Sibylle was Redford's devoted wife until his passing in September 2024.
A Shared Vision for Conservation
Sibylle Szaggars' work is deeply informed by her spiritual connection to the environment and her dedication to conservation. She creates large-scale, often abstract, paintings and multimedia installations that aim to raise awareness about climate change and the fragility of ecosystems.
Her most recognized project is "The Way of The Rain," a multi-sensory performance art piece that combines her original artwork, music, dance, and spoken word to explore the issue of rapidly changing weather patterns. Robert Redford was a staunch supporter of this work, often participating in its narration.
The couple's relationship was characterized by a quiet, shared commitment to their respective artistic and environmental endeavors, largely conducted away from the intense media scrutiny that marked Redford's earlier life.
The Enduring Topical Authority of Redford’s Relationships
The marriages of Robert Redford are not just footnotes in a celebrity biography; they are integral parts of the narrative of an American icon. The women he chose were not Hollywood starlets but individuals dedicated to intellectual pursuits, activism, and the arts, reflecting Redford’s own values.
A Legacy of Activism and Art
With Lola Van Wagenen, Redford cultivated a family life while she championed environmental and consumer rights through organizations like Consumer Action Now. This early influence likely contributed to Redford’s own lifelong activism and the founding of the Sundance Institute.
With Sibylle Szaggars, his focus on the arts and environmental conservation was amplified. Their partnership was a powerful, creative synergy dedicated to the planet, culminating in projects like "The Way of The Rain."
Ultimately, the story of Robert Redford’s wives is a testament to the fact that his private life was as rich and meaningful as his public one. Both Lola and Sibylle were strong, independent women who left their own marks on the world, sharing a common thread of intellectual curiosity and a deep connection to nature and social causes, a legacy that continues to resonate today.
Detail Author:
- Name : Horacio Mosciski
- Username : mhayes
- Email : schaden.zion@stokes.com
- Birthdate : 1980-12-21
- Address : 69061 Sanford Park Maudmouth, NC 50228
- Phone : +12702085072
- Company : Hoppe-McCullough
- Job : Postsecondary Teacher
- Bio : Itaque nihil voluptatibus ab eos. Tempore provident officia animi veniam.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/laurie.watsica
- username : laurie.watsica
- bio : Eos voluptatum rerum libero qui alias ad voluptates. In molestiae delectus sed odio laudantium. Consectetur quam vel vero dolor.
- followers : 355
- following : 208
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/laurie.watsica
- username : laurie.watsica
- bio : Omnis quam ducimus qui quo.
- followers : 6203
- following : 2024
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/watsica2017
- username : watsica2017
- bio : Corrupti alias sint et quod et qui similique. Culpa qui eum tempore aperiam.
- followers : 4093
- following : 689
