Robert Redford, the iconic Hollywood actor, acclaimed director, producer, environmental activist, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, was not only a cinematic legend but also a deeply devoted family man. His personal life was marked by profound love, resilience, and unimaginable tragedy. The Oscar-winning star passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at his cherished home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89.
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford rose to become one of the defining figures of American cinema. With his charismatic presence in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men, he captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond acting, his work as a director (Ordinary People, which earned him an Academy Award) and his creation of the Sundance Institute in 1981 revolutionized independent filmmaking, launching careers of talents like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh. His net worth at the time of death was estimated at around $200 million, built through film success, savvy business ventures, and the Sundance brand.
Robert Redford’s First Marriage and Family Life
Redford’s first marriage to historian and producer Lola Van Wagenen in 1958 lasted nearly three decades and produced four children: Scott, Shauna, James (Jamie), and Amy. The couple created a home centered on creativity, nature, and family values, splitting time between New York City and the mountains of Sundance, Utah. Redford often described fatherhood as his greatest achievement, saying, “If someone wrapped it all up and said to me, ‘What’s your greatest achievement?’ I’d say, ‘The children. They’re the best thing in my life.’”
Tragedy with Son Scott: Their firstborn, Scott Anthony Redford, arrived in 1959 but died tragically at just two months old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The young couple—Redford was 21, Lola 20—was devastated. Redford later reflected on the trauma: “Of course, it was traumatic… You’re not equipped to deal with it.” He noted that such loss lingers subconsciously and influences life in unseen ways, but they channeled their grief into raising their surviving children.
Shauna Redford: Born in November 1960, Shauna pursued a successful career as a painter and has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Married to author and journalist Eric Schlosser (known for Fast Food Nation) since 1985, they have two children, Conor and Mica. Redford involved Shauna in the Sundance Institute’s future, emphasizing family stewardship of his legacy.
James “Jamie” Redford: The family’s second son was a talented filmmaker, producer, and director known for works like The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia. Married to Kyle for 35 years, they had two children, Dylan and Lena. Jamie battled a rare liver disease from childhood, undergoing two transplants, but passed away in October 2020 at age 58 from liver cancer. The family requested privacy, with a statement noting: “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child… Jamie was a loving son, husband, and father.”
Redford spoke movingly about the pain of losing children, acknowledging the profound challenges it brought to the family while protecting their privacy.
Amy Redford: The youngest child followed her father into entertainment as an actress, producer, and director (The Guitar, music videos, and more). She has a daughter, Eden, and has spoken about balancing motherhood, career, and amplifying women’s voices in film. Amy moved to Salt Lake City and continues creative work, including a podcast and recent projects. In early 2026, she reflected on her father’s parenting: “The best thing I think he did for my family was raise us between New York City and the mountains of Sundance.” She has been actively involved in carrying forward the Sundance Film Festival.
Later Life, Second Marriage, and Enduring Legacy
Redford and Van Wagenen divorced around 1985 (reports vary on exact finalization). In 2009, he married German artist Sibylle Szaggars, with whom he had shared a home in Sundance since the mid-1990s. They had no children together.
Redford was a passionate environmentalist and philanthropist. His Sundance legacy continues through his daughters and grandchildren, who are positioned to lead the Institute and Festival. The 2026 Sundance Film Festival marked the first without its founder, with Amy sharing emotional tributes and updates on its evolution.
In tributes following his death, colleagues, fans, and family celebrated Redford as a “giant of American cinema,” environmental champion, and family man whose quiet strength through personal tragedies informed his empathetic storytelling. His story reminds us of the human side behind Hollywood success — the heart-wrenching losses, the pride in children, and the drive to create something lasting.
Robert Redford’s life was one of triumph, resilience, and profound love. Though he faced the unimaginable pain of losing two sons, his surviving family and vast cultural impact ensure his spirit lives on through Sundance, his films, and the values he instilled in the next generation.