Robert Redford: A Life of Love, Loss, and Legacy

For decades, Robert Redford captivated audiences with his charm, talent, and a life seemingly crafted for the silver screen. But behind the iconic roles and red carpet appearances lay a deeply personal story of love and heartbreak—one that he kept hidden for years. Now, at 88, the legendary actor has finally opened up about the greatest love of his life.

Who was she? And why did he keep this love a secret for so long?

From a Humble Beginning to Hollywood Royalty

Before Redford became the golden-haired Hollywood icon we know today, he was just a working-class kid from Santa Monica, California. His father was an accountant, and his mother managed their home. They lived a modest life in Venice, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

As a child, Redford was different. He loved art, sports, and the outdoors, but he struggled in school. He later admitted to being a “bad student” who had trouble focusing. However, his passion for tennis and painting kept him engaged. He even got the chance to warm up tennis legend Poncho Gonzalez at the Los Angeles Tennis Club.

Yet, formal education never suited him. When he got to the University of Colorado, things took a bad turn—he started drinking heavily, lost his scholarship, and was eventually expelled. But instead of giving up, he reinvented himself.

After traveling through Europe and living as a struggling artist in places like France, Spain, and Italy, Redford returned to the U.S. with a new purpose. He enrolled at Pratt Institute in New York to study painting but soon found himself drawn to acting. The stage became his new passion, and he joined the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, taking his first steps toward an extraordinary career.

The Love Story That Shaped Him

In the late 1950s, Redford met Lola Van Wagenen, a young woman from Provo, Utah, with a calm and grounded presence that balanced his free-spirited nature. Lola came from a Mormon background, vastly different from Redford’s upbringing, but their connection was undeniable.

Their love was so strong that they eloped in 1958, against her family’s wishes. It was the kind of passionate, rebellious love that feels straight out of a Hollywood script. They were young, broke, and in love, struggling to make ends meet while Redford pursued his acting career.

Then, tragedy struck. Their first child, Scott, died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The devastating loss tested their relationship but also brought them closer together. Redford later described Lola as the love of his life, and her strength helped him push forward.

As his career took off, their family grew, with three more children: Shauna, David, and Amy. But the pressures of fame and constant work started taking a toll. Redford was filming in far-off locations for months at a time while Lola was home raising their kids.

By the 1980s, the cracks in their relationship were undeniable. In 1985, after 27 years of marriage, they divorced, marking the end of an era.

The Women After Lola: Love in the Spotlight

Following his divorce, Redford’s romantic life became more public, and he was linked to some of the most stunning and talented women in the industry.

Sonia Braga (1987)

Not long after his divorce, Redford started dating Sonia Braga, a fiery Brazilian actress known for her passionate roles. Their relationship was intense and exciting, but it fizzled out within a year.

Lena Olin (1990)

During the filming of Havana (1990), Redford’s chemistry with Swedish actress Lena Olin wasn’t just on-screen—it was real. Their brief but passionate romance turned heads, but, like many Hollywood love stories, it wasn’t built to last.

Kathy O’Rear (1990s)

By the mid-1990s, Redford began dating Kathy O’Rear, a costume designer. Unlike his previous relationships, this one was quieter and away from the spotlight. It seemed that Redford was looking for stability rather than another whirlwind romance.

Finding Lasting Love With Sibylle Szaggars

In the late 1990s, Redford met Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born painter and environmental activist. Their connection was immediate, and she wasn’t dazzled by his Hollywood fame. In fact, she admitted to renting some of his films just to catch up before their first dinner.

They married in 2009 in Hamburg, Germany, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Redford’s life. Unlike his previous relationships, this one was rooted in shared values. Together, they co-founded a nonprofit organization called “The Way of the Rain”, dedicated to environmental awareness through art.

Redford has often said that Sibylle gave him a whole new life, a second chance at love that was deeper and more meaningful than anything before.

Redford’s Relationship With His Children and Grandchildren

Despite the challenges in his romantic life, Redford remained deeply connected to his children. Sadly, his second son, James Redford, passed away in 2020 from liver cancer.

James was a filmmaker and environmental activist, much like his father. Together, they co-founded the Redford Center, a nonprofit focused on producing films about environmental issues. Losing James was a devastating blow, but Redford continued to honor his son’s legacy.

His two daughters, Shauna and Amy, also followed creative paths. Shauna became an artist, while Amy became a director and producer. Today, Redford takes great pride in his seven grandchildren, particularly his grandson Dylan, who has stepped into the family business as a filmmaker.

A Career That Transcended Time

Even as his personal life evolved, Redford remained one of Hollywood’s most respected and enduring actors.

In 2018, he announced his retirement after starring in The Old Man & the Gun, a nod to his past roles. But as he later admitted, “You never know,” leaving the door open for possible future projects.

He even returned briefly in Avengers: Endgame as Alexander Pierce, proving that he could still steal a scene.

Redford’s Legacy: More Than Just a Movie Star

Beyond acting, Redford’s biggest impact might be his commitment to independent film through Sundance. What started as a small festival grew into one of the most influential platforms for indie filmmakers worldwide.

His love for storytelling, whether in cinema, relationships, or activism, has made him a legend not just in Hollywood but in American culture.

As he enjoys his later years alongside Sibylle, he remains dedicated to his family, art, and environmental work. He once said, “Life is about learning and growing no matter your age.” Looking at all he’s accomplished, it’s clear he lives by those words.

Final Thoughts

Robert Redford has lived a full and passionate life—one of love, loss, and reinvention. His journey from a working-class kid in California to a Hollywood icon to a devoted environmentalist is nothing short of extraordinary.

Even though he has retired from acting, his legacy lives on through his films, his family, and his impact on independent cinema.

What’s your favorite Robert Redford role or memory? Let us know in the comments! 🎬❤️