Today, as we remember the incredible life of Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16, 2025, at his beloved Sundance home in Utah, it’s impossible to overlook the profound influence of his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. While the world knows Redford as the charismatic star of classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and an Oscar-winning director, it was with Lola that he built the foundation of his personal life, navigated unimaginable heartbreaks, and nurtured the values that would later define his public legacy. Their story, which began long before Hollywood fame, is a testament to love, resilience, and mutual growth, offering a glimpse into the private man behind the iconic screen persona.
Lola wasn’t just a supportive spouse; she was a force in her own right—a historian, activist, and educator whose own accomplishments beautifully complemented Redford’s rising career. From their meeting in the late 1950s to their divorce after nearly three decades, Lola’s presence was a grounding constant in Redford’s life. She stood by him through early struggles, celebrated his meteoric success, and together, they faced tragedies that would forever shape their family. Even after their paths diverged, the respect and affection between them endured, a quiet testament to a bond that transcended their marriage.
Building a Life Together Through Love and Loss
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen met in Los Angeles in 1957, a time when Redford was a restless young artist searching for direction after traveling through Europe. Lola, a bright and thoughtful historian from a Mormon family in Utah, connected with him instantly. They married in Las Vegas in 1958, long before Redford’s face graced the silver screen. This was a partnership built on shared values and love, not fame. As Redford pursued acting, Lola became his steadfast supporter, providing stability as they moved to New York and started a family.
Their journey, however, was marked by profound heartbreak. In 1959, their first son, Scott Anthony, died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just two months old. The loss was devastating for the young couple, with Redford later reflecting on the trauma of losing a child while they were just beginning their lives together. Despite their grief, they persevered, welcoming three more children: Shauna, James (known as Jamie), and Amy.
As Redford’s career soared with films like The Sting and Out of Africa, Lola focused on raising their children and pursuing her own passions for activism and education. She co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN) in 1970, an organization dedicated to environmental and consumer advocacy, and often spearheaded these initiatives while balancing family life.
A Legacy of Mutual Respect and Independent Strength
After 27 years of marriage, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen divorced in 1985. Unlike many Hollywood splits, their separation was notably free of public scandal or animosity. Redford later expressed that the decision was mutual, and they maintained “great love, great affection, [and] great friendship” afterward. This mutual respect allowed them to continue co-parenting their children successfully and supporting each other’s endeavors from afar.
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Lola’s life after divorce was a testament to her own strength and intellect. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Vermont College, followed by a master’s and a Ph.D. in American History from New York University. Her academic work focused on women’s history, culminating in her book, Sister-Wives and Suffragists: Polygamy and the Politics of Woman Suffrage 1870–1896. She also continued her activism, co-founding Clio Visualizing History, a nonprofit dedicated to innovative history education, and producing acclaimed documentaries like Miss America (2002) and The State of Marriage (2015). In 2002, she remarried George Burrill, a diplomat and international development expert, and remained active in philanthropic efforts.
Lola’s influence on Redford’s legacy is undeniable. Her Utah roots helped foster his deep connection to the state, where he eventually established the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, forever changing the landscape of independent cinema. Though Redford found love again with German artist Sibylle Szaggars, marrying her in 2009, his chapter with Lola remained foundational. It was with her that he experienced the joys of parenthood, the anguish of losing two sons (Jamie tragically passed away from cancer in 2020), and the building of a family that he often called his “greatest achievement.”
Lola Van Wagenen’s story is not just a footnote as the ex-wife in Robert Redford’s life; it is a narrative of resilience, intellectual passion, and an enduring partnership that helped shape one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons.
