Robert Redford, Proud Father of 4, Shares Heart-Wrenching Words on the Loss of His 2 Sons
Robert Redford, the legendary actor, acclaimed director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, was not only a Hollywood icon but also a devoted father and husband whose life included both love and tragedy. Redford, who won an Oscar and reshaped independent cinema, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at age 89. Throughout his long career, he left a legacy of memorable films and important philanthropic work.
He and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, raised four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy Redford. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford became one of the most respected figures in entertainment. His charm and talent earned him international fame, while his passion for independent film led him to create the Sundance Institute.
Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958. Their marriage lasted nearly 30 years and produced four children. Tragedy struck early when their first child, Scott, died at seven weeks old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Redford kept his grief private, saying at the time it was a traumatic experience he was not prepared for.
In 1960, their daughter Shauna was born. She became a successful painter and has two children with her husband Eric Schlosser. Redford once said that Shauna and his other children were set to carry on the legacy of the Sundance Institute. James “Jamie” Redford, their second son, was a talented filmmaker known for projects like The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia. He was married to Kyle, and they had two children. Jamie spoke openly about the challenges of growing up famous, emphasizing the need to prove himself through his work.
Amy Redford, their youngest daughter, followed her father into the entertainment industry as an actress, producer, and director. She credits her father for inspiring her career and has worked on films, TV shows, and music videos. Amy also advocates for amplifying women’s voices in the industry and balances her career with raising her children.
In 2020, Redford faced another heartbreaking loss when his son James passed away from liver cancer after battling a rare liver disease. Family and friends mourned deeply, and a family representative called the grief “immeasurable.” Though Redford and Lola Van Wagenen separated in the early 1980s and reportedly divorced around 1985, they never publicly discussed the split.
In 2009, Redford married longtime partner Sibylle Szaggars. They lived together in Sundance, Utah, where Redford spent his final years and passed away peacefully in his sleep. Redford’s legacy lives on through his children, his contributions to film, and the Sundance community he loved.
Robert Redford, the legendary actor, acclaimed director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, was not only a Hollywood icon but also a devoted father and husband whose life included both love and tragedy. Redford, who won an Oscar and reshaped independent cinema, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at age 89. Throughout his long career, he left a legacy of memorable films and important philanthropic work.
He and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, raised four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy Redford. Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford became one of the most respected figures in entertainment. His charm and talent earned him international fame, while his passion for independent film led him to create the Sundance Institute.
Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958. Their marriage lasted nearly 30 years and produced four children. Tragedy struck early when their first child, Scott, died at seven weeks old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Redford kept his grief private, saying at the time it was a traumatic experience he was not prepared for.
In 1960, their daughter Shauna was born. She became a successful painter and has two children with her husband Eric Schlosser. Redford once said that Shauna and his other children were set to carry on the legacy of the Sundance Institute. James “Jamie” Redford, their second son, was a talented filmmaker known for projects like The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia. He was married to Kyle, and they had two children. Jamie spoke openly about the challenges of growing up famous, emphasizing the need to prove himself through his work.
Amy Redford, their youngest daughter, followed her father into the entertainment industry as an actress, producer, and director. She credits her father for inspiring her career and has worked on films, TV shows, and music videos. Amy also advocates for amplifying women’s voices in the industry and balances her career with raising her children.
In 2020, Redford faced another heartbreaking loss when his son James passed away from liver cancer after battling a rare liver disease. Family and friends mourned deeply, and a family representative called the grief “immeasurable.” Though Redford and Lola Van Wagenen separated in the early 1980s and reportedly divorced around 1985, they never publicly discussed the split.
In 2009, Redford married longtime partner Sibylle Szaggars. They lived together in Sundance, Utah, where Redford spent his final years and passed away peacefully in his sleep. Redford’s legacy lives on through his children, his contributions to film, and the Sundance community he loved.
