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How Long Did Robert Redford's First Marriage Last? Unpacking A Hollywood Legend's Early Years

Robert redford s marriage history meet wife sibylle and ex spouse lola

Jul 14, 2025
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Robert redford s marriage history meet wife sibylle and ex spouse lola

For many fans, the name Robert Redford brings to mind iconic roles, a captivating screen presence, and a career spanning decades. Yet, behind the bright lights of Hollywood, the personal lives of stars often hold stories just as compelling. People often wonder about the foundations of their journeys, and a frequent question that pops up, very naturally, is about his early relationships. So, too, it's almost a common query: How long did Robert Redford's first marriage last? This particular question offers a glimpse into the formative years of a true cinematic giant, revealing a significant chapter before he became the global icon we recognize today.

It's interesting, really, to consider the beginnings of anyone's path, especially someone who has left such a big mark on popular culture. His first marriage was, in many respects, a private affair, happening well before the intense spotlight of superstardom truly hit him. This period, arguably, helped shape the man who would later captivate audiences worldwide. We're talking about a time when his life was still finding its rhythm, before the major blockbusters and the fame that followed.

Understanding the duration and context of this early union helps us appreciate the personal journey that ran alongside his professional ascent. It shows a different side of a person usually seen through the lens of their characters on screen. This story, you know, is about more than just dates; it’s about the human experience of growing up, building a family, and facing life's changes, even for someone who would become a legend.

Table of Contents

Robert Redford: A Brief Biography

Robert Redford, born Charles Robert Redford Jr., came into the world on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. His upbringing was, in a way, quite humble, a far cry from the glitz and glamour that would later define his public image. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood, and his early life saw him pursuing interests in sports, particularly baseball. He even attended the University of Colorado Boulder on a baseball scholarship, though his time there was relatively short.

His path to acting wasn't exactly straightforward. After some travels and a period of exploration, he found himself drawn to the arts, specifically painting. This artistic leaning, you know, eventually led him to New York City, where he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was there that his natural talent for performance began to truly show itself. He started his career on the stage, appearing in several Broadway productions, which, honestly, laid the groundwork for his eventual move into television and then, of course, the big screen.

Redford's rise to fame in Hollywood was, in a way, steady and well-deserved. He became known for his good looks, certainly, but also for his thoughtful performances and the quiet intensity he brought to his characters. Films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," and "All the President's Men" cemented his status as a leading man and, indeed, a significant cultural figure. Beyond acting, he also became a highly respected director, with films like "Ordinary People" earning him an Academy Award. He's also a well-known environmental activist, which, you know, is a really important part of who he is.

Personal Details and Bio Data

DetailInformation
Full NameCharles Robert Redford Jr.
Date of BirthAugust 18, 1936
Place of BirthSanta Monica, California, USA
NationalityAmerican
OccupationActor, Director, Producer, Environmental Activist
First SpouseLola Van Wagenen
Years Married (First Marriage)1958 – 1985
Children (with Lola)Scott Anthony (deceased), Shauna Jean, David James (deceased), Amy Hart
Current SpouseSibylle Szaggars

The Early Years: Meeting Lola Van Wagenen

Before the fame, before the iconic roles, Robert Redford's personal life was, in a way, quite different. It was during his formative years, while he was still finding his footing and exploring his artistic leanings, that he met Lola Van Wagenen. She was, you know, a young woman from a Mormon background, and their paths crossed in Los Angeles in the mid-1950s. Their meeting wasn't in a glamorous Hollywood setting, but rather during a time when both were, perhaps, just starting to figure things out.

Lola was, arguably, a steady presence in his life during a period of considerable change for him. He had been through a bit of a rebellious phase, exploring different interests and, in some respects, searching for direction. Meeting Lola, and their subsequent connection, offered a sense of stability and purpose that he might have been looking for. It was a relationship that developed away from the public eye, built on shared experiences and, very possibly, mutual support during their younger days.

Their connection blossomed quickly. They were both young, and as is often the case, they saw a future together. This period of his life, before he became a household name, is, you know, quite important to understand the foundation of his first marriage. It was a time of personal growth and, in a way, a quiet preparation for the whirlwind that was to come with his acting career.

The Marriage Begins: A Young Couple's Start

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen tied the knot on August 9, 1958. This happened in Provo, Utah, which, you know, was Lola's home state. It was a relatively quiet ceremony, quite unlike the grand events that sometimes accompany celebrity weddings today. At the time of their marriage, Redford was just 21 years old, and Lola was 18. They were, in a way, very young to be starting a family, but it was a common practice for that era.

Their early married life was, arguably, marked by modest means and the challenges of a young couple building a life together. Redford was still trying to make his way as an actor, taking on various small roles on television and the stage. Lola, for her part, was pursuing her own academic interests and, you know, supporting their budding family. They lived in New York City for a time, navigating the bustling artistic scene while raising their children. It was a period of hard work and, in some respects, shared dreams.

This early chapter of their lives together was, very much, a partnership. They faced the ups and downs of a struggling artist's journey, the financial pressures, and the personal sacrifices that often come with pursuing a difficult career. Lola's support during these foundational years is, you know, often highlighted as a key factor in Redford's ability to focus on his craft and eventually break through in Hollywood. It was a bond formed in the quiet moments before the roar of public recognition.

Family Life and Rising Stardom

During their marriage, Robert and Lola welcomed four children into their lives. Their first child, Scott Anthony, was born in 1959 but tragically passed away just a few months later from sudden infant death syndrome. This loss, you know, was a profoundly difficult experience for the young couple and, in a way, cast a long shadow over their early years together. It's a reminder that even future stars face immense personal pain.

Despite this sorrow, their family grew. They had Shauna Jean in 1960, David James in 1962, and Amy Hart in 1970. Raising a family, especially while Redford's career was beginning its ascent, presented its own set of challenges. As his fame grew, particularly after the success of films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969, the demands on his time and privacy increased significantly. This shift, you know, brought a new dynamic to their family life, one that was, perhaps, hard to prepare for.

Lola, by all accounts, worked to keep their family life as normal as possible, away from the constant glare of the media. She pursued her own education, eventually earning a doctorate in educational history. This commitment to her own path, even as her husband became a global sensation, is, you know, quite admirable. The family often spent time in Utah, seeking a more grounded existence away from the Hollywood scene, which, in some respects, offered a quiet retreat for them.

The Duration of the Union

So, the central question: How long did Robert Redford's first marriage last? Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen were married for 27 years. Their union began on August 9, 1958, and they officially divorced in 1985. This duration is, you know, quite a significant period, especially in the context of Hollywood marriages, which are often perceived as being short-lived. Their relationship spanned nearly three decades, witnessing Redford's transformation from a struggling actor to one of the most recognizable faces in the world.

Twenty-seven years is, in a way, a testament to the foundation they built together in their youth. It saw them through the birth of their children, the tragic loss of two sons, and the immense pressures that came with his burgeoning and then colossal fame. It's a long time to be with someone, and, you know, it speaks to a deep connection that existed for a very considerable period. Their journey together covered a vast landscape of personal and professional changes.

This lengthy duration, in fact, makes their marriage one of the longer-lasting ones among major Hollywood figures of their generation. It suggests a resilience and a shared history that ran deep, even as their individual paths, perhaps, started to diverge. The fact that it lasted so long, really, tells a story of commitment through many life stages and public attention.

Challenges and the End of a Chapter

Even though their marriage lasted for a considerable time, it wasn't without its difficulties. The immense pressure of Robert Redford's rising stardom was, arguably, a significant factor. The constant travel for film shoots, the public scrutiny, and the demands of a high-profile career can, you know, put a tremendous strain on any relationship, let alone one that began in much quieter circumstances. It's tough, really, to maintain normalcy when your life is constantly in the public eye.

While the specific reasons for their separation remain private, as is often the case with personal matters, it's generally understood that the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life played a part. The growth and evolution of two individuals over nearly three decades can also, you know, lead to different paths and priorities. People change, and sometimes, even after a long journey together, their directions shift. This is, in a way, a very human experience.

Their divorce in 1985 marked the end of a very long and, in some respects, foundational chapter for both Robert and Lola. Despite the end of their marriage, they maintained a respectful relationship, particularly as co-parents to their surviving children. This ongoing connection, you know, speaks to the depth of their shared history and their commitment to their family, even after their romantic partnership concluded. It's a reflection of their maturity and, in a way, their enduring bond as parents.

Life After the First Marriage

After the end of his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen, Robert Redford continued his remarkable career in Hollywood, both as an actor and a director. He took on diverse roles and, you know, maintained his status as a respected figure in the industry. His personal life also saw new chapters. He remained relatively private about his relationships, a pattern he had established early on.

He eventually found love again and married Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist, in 2009. This second marriage, you know, happened much later in his life, long after the intense pressures of his early career had, perhaps, settled down a bit. It shows that even after a long first union, people can find new connections and happiness. His life after the divorce was, in a way, still very much centered around his family and his passion for the arts and environmental causes.

Lola Van Wagenen, for her part, also moved forward with her life, focusing on her academic pursuits and her work as a historian. She has, you know, built a very successful career in her own right, separate from the fame of her former husband. Both Robert and Lola have, in some respects, continued to lead full and meaningful lives, a testament to their individual strengths and resilience. Their story, really, highlights how people can grow and adapt through different phases of life.

FAQs About Robert Redford's First Marriage

Who was Robert Redford's first wife?

Robert Redford's first wife was Lola Van Wagenen. They were married for a significant period of his early life and career. She was, you know, a very important part of his journey before he became the huge star we know today. Their relationship began when they were both quite young, and she was a constant presence during his rise to fame.

How many children did Robert Redford have with Lola Van Wagenen?

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen had four children together. Their first child, Scott Anthony, sadly passed away as an infant. They then had Shauna Jean, David James, and Amy Hart. The family, you know, grew during a time when Redford's career was truly taking off, which, in some respects, presented unique challenges for them as a unit.

Did Robert Redford marry again after Lola Van Wagenen?

Yes, Robert Redford did marry again after his divorce from Lola Van Wagenen. He married Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist, in 2009. This happened, you know, many years after his first marriage ended. It shows that, even later in life, people can find new partners and build new relationships. He has, in a way, continued to value his private life.

So, we've explored the length of Robert Redford's first marriage, a substantial 27 years, and, you know, touched on the life he shared with Lola Van Wagenen. This period was, in some respects, foundational for the man and the legend. It's a reminder that behind every public figure, there's a personal story, full of beginnings, changes, and growth. His journey, like anyone's, is a rich tapestry of experiences that shaped who he became. You can learn more about Robert Redford's incredible career on our site, and perhaps, you know, check out this page for more details about his filmography and life.

Robert redford s marriage history meet wife sibylle and ex spouse lola
Robert redford s marriage history meet wife sibylle and ex spouse lola
Robert Redford With His Family
Robert Redford With His Family
Robert Redford With His Family
Robert Redford With His Family

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