How Many Marriages Has Robert Redford Had? Unpacking A Hollywood Icon's Personal Life

When you think of Robert Redford, images of a true Hollywood legend, a talented actor, and a respected director likely come to mind. For many, his career has spanned decades, gracing the silver screen with memorable performances and shaping the film world in significant ways. People often wonder about the personal lives of such public figures, especially when it comes to long-standing relationships. It's a natural curiosity, you know, wanting to learn a bit more about the person behind the famous face.

So, a question that often pops up, perhaps in casual conversation or during a quick online search, is about his marital history. Folks often ask, "How many marriages has Robert Redford had?" It's a simple query, yet it opens a window into a part of his life that has, quite frankly, remained somewhat private despite his fame. We're going to look into this specific aspect today.

You might think, given his long career and the spotlight that comes with it, that he has had, you know, numerous relationships over the years. The idea of "many" can mean quite a few things to different people, as we sometimes discuss on our site. But when we talk about actual marriages for someone like Robert Redford, the answer might just surprise some of you, as a matter of fact.

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Table of Contents

• Robert Redford: A Brief Biography
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• The First Union: Sydnee Doan
• A New Chapter: Sibylle Szaggars
• Redford's Approach to Personal Life
• Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Redford's Marriages

Robert Redford: A Brief Biography

Robert Redford, born Charles Robert Redford Jr., entered the world on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. He grew up with a fairly humble background, which, in a way, shaped his perspective. Before he became the big name we know, he had a bit of a wandering spirit, traveling through Europe and even spending some time as a painter. This early period, you see, was quite formative for him.

His path to acting wasn't exactly a straight line, but he eventually found his way to the stage and then, of course, to the movies. His good looks and undeniable talent quickly made him a rising star in the 1960s. He really became a household name with films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting," which, honestly, are still beloved classics today. He was often paired with Paul Newman, and their chemistry was just something special.

Beyond his acting, Redford also became a respected director, winning an Academy Award for "Ordinary People." He's also a passionate environmentalist and founded the Sundance Institute, which, you know, has become incredibly important for independent filmmakers. It's a place where new voices can really find their footing, and that's a huge contribution to the arts, to be honest.

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Personal Details and Bio Data

The First Union: Sydnee Doan

Robert Redford's first marriage was to Lola Van Wagenen, though she is perhaps better known by her maiden name, Sydnee Doan. They met in Los Angeles and, you know, their connection was pretty immediate. They tied the knot on September 12, 1958, which was, in some respects, quite early in his career. At that time, he was still, you know, finding his footing in the acting world.

Their life together began before the big Hollywood fame really hit. They started a family, welcoming four children into their lives. Scott Anthony Redford was their firstborn, but tragically, he passed away as an infant from SIDS. This was, obviously, a very difficult time for them, a profound loss that, you know, surely stayed with them.

After Scott, they had Shauna Jean, David James (known as Jamie), and Amy Hart. These children grew up with a famous father, but their parents, it seems, tried to give them as normal a life as possible, given the circumstances. The family lived for a time in Utah, which, actually, became a very important place for Redford, a place he still holds dear.

Their marriage lasted for quite a while, nearly three decades, in fact. They went through a lot together, the highs of his rising stardom and the personal challenges that life brings. However, like many relationships, theirs eventually came to an end. They separated in 1981 and officially divorced in 1985. It was, you know, a significant chapter in his personal story, a very long partnership that, in a way, helped shape him.

A New Chapter: Sibylle Szaggars

After his first marriage concluded, Robert Redford remained single for many years. He continued to focus on his work, both acting and directing, and also on his environmental efforts. It was during this period that he met Sibylle Szaggars, a talented German artist. Their relationship began, you know, somewhat quietly, away from the intense glare of the public eye. She is known for her multimedia artwork, often incorporating elements of nature, which, arguably, aligns well with Redford's own passions.

They dated for a considerable period before deciding to marry. Their wedding took place on July 11, 2009, in Hamburg, Germany, which is Sibylle's home country. The ceremony was a rather private affair, as you might expect from Redford, who has always tried to keep his personal life, you know, somewhat separate from his public image. This was a new beginning for him, a fresh start in a significant relationship.

Sibylle has been a steady presence by his side for many years now. She often accompanies him to events, and they seem to share a deep connection, particularly through their shared love for art and nature. They reside primarily in Utah, a place that, as I mentioned, has always been very special to Redford. Their partnership, you know, represents a different phase of his life, one that seems quite peaceful and creatively fulfilling.

So, when we ask "How many marriages has Robert Redford had?" the answer, quite simply, is two. Despite a career that has been incredibly public and spanned a great number of years, his personal marital history is, in fact, rather contained. He has had two wives over his long life, which, you know, isn't really a "multitudinous" amount, especially when you consider how long he's been in the public eye. It's just two significant relationships that have shaped his journey.

Redford's Approach to Personal Life

Robert Redford has always, you know, been a person who values his privacy. This is a common trait among many long-standing celebrities, but for him, it seems particularly pronounced. He has often spoken about the importance of having a personal space, a place away from the cameras and the constant attention that comes with fame. This desire for a quiet life, in a way, influences how he handles his relationships.

He has, for instance, managed to keep many details of his family life out of the tabloids, which, frankly, is quite a feat in Hollywood. His decision to establish the Sundance Institute in Utah, far from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, also speaks to this preference for a more grounded existence. It's a place where he can, you know, foster creativity without all the usual pressures.

His two marriages, therefore, reflect this quiet approach. They weren't, you know, headline-grabbing spectacles. Instead, they appear to have been deeply personal commitments, lived out with a degree of discretion. This is, perhaps, why the actual number of his marriages might seem less than some people expect, given his long and storied career. He just, you know, handles things in a very private way, which is something many people respect about him.

Understanding his approach helps to put the question of "How many marriages has Robert Redford had?" into perspective. It's not about a great number of relationships, but rather about two lasting partnerships that have been a part of his life's story. For more on the lives of public figures, you might like to link to this page on our site, which explores similar topics. You can also find more details about his career and personal journey on reputable film history sites, like this one biography.com, for instance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Redford's Marriages

People often have a few more questions once they learn the direct answer to "How many marriages has Robert Redford had?" Here are some common ones, which, you know, come up quite a bit.

Did Robert Redford have children with both of his wives?

No, Robert Redford had children only with his first wife, Sydnee Doan (Lola Van Wagenen). They had four children together: Scott, Shauna, David (Jamie), and Amy. His marriage to Sibylle Szaggars has not resulted in any children.

How long was Robert Redford married to his first wife?

Robert Redford was married to his first wife, Sydnee Doan, for nearly three decades. They tied the knot in 1958 and their divorce was finalized in 1985. That's a very long period, honestly, a significant part of his adult life.

When did Robert Redford marry his current wife?

Robert Redford married his current wife, Sibylle Szaggars, in July 2009. They had been together for some time before their wedding, which was a private ceremony held in Germany. She has been his partner for well over a decade now, which, you know, is quite a considerable length of time.