Hollywood legend Robert Redford, renowned for his iconic roles in movies like All the President’s Men and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, has finally opened up about the one woman who was truly the love of his life. At 88, Redford’s confession reveals a side of him that fans rarely see—a man who, despite his fame and success, has lived a life marked by personal tragedies, challenges, and deep, enduring love.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford was the son of an accountant and a homemaker. Raised in a modest, middle-class family, he experienced the lingering impacts of the Great Depression and World War II, which left him with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature. However, his early years were far from easy; as a child, he battled polio, a harrowing experience that would shape his resilience and determination. Later in life, Redford paid tribute to Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine, for saving countless lives, including his own.
Redford’s high school years were tumultuous. Though he excelled in sports, particularly baseball, he was also a bit of a troublemaker. He fell in with a rough crowd, engaging in petty theft and dangerous dares. In one such dare, he nearly lost his life jumping from a high structure—a risk that nearly ended his journey before it even began.
After high school, he attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship. But his time there was short-lived; he struggled academically and developed a drinking habit that eventually cost him his scholarship. Seeking purpose, he traveled through Europe and eventually discovered a passion for painting in New York City. However, it was at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts that Redford would find his true calling—acting.
Rising to Stardom
Redford’s early acting career was modest, with small roles in theater productions and guest appearances on television shows. His breakout came in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, where he played Elizabeth Ashley’s husband. This role showcased not only his charisma but also his commitment to pursuing meaningful and complex characters. His big-screen breakthrough came in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a film that cemented his status as a major star and won him critical acclaim.
Throughout the 1970s, Redford achieved unprecedented success with films like The Way We Were, The Great Gatsby, and The Sting, making him one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. But he wanted more than fame—Redford wanted to make a difference. This drive led him to create the Sundance Film Festival, which became a platform for independent filmmakers to share their work with the world.
Love, Loss, and Resilience
Redford’s personal life, however, was far from the fairytale his career appeared to be. In 1958, he married Lola Van Wagenen, an intellectual and compassionate woman who shared his love for nature and adventure. Together, they had four children and built a life filled with shared values and aspirations. Yet, heartbreak was never far away. Just a year into their marriage, their first child, Scott, tragically passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The loss devastated both of them and cast a shadow over their relationship, one that they would struggle with for years to come.
Through the next three decades, Lola remained by Redford’s side as he rose to stardom. However, the pressures of fame and the loss of their first child took a toll on their marriage. By 1985, the couple decided to part ways. Despite their separation, Redford always spoke fondly of Lola, crediting her for being a crucial part of his early life and career.
Years later, Redford found love again with German painter Sibylle Szaggars. Their relationship, quiet and private, began in the 1990s and blossomed into a marriage in 2009. Like Redford, Sibylle was an artist with a deep appreciation for nature, and together they became advocates for environmental causes. Living far from the Hollywood spotlight, they shared a bond based on mutual respect, creativity, and a profound love for the natural world.
A Life of Personal Tragedy
Throughout his life, Redford faced one tragedy after another. From the loss of his uncle, who served as a father figure during his early years, to the death of his mother, Martha, when he was just 18, Redford’s personal life was marred by loss. His mother’s death had a lasting impact on him, and he would later express deep regret for not appreciating her more when she was alive.
Redford’s relationship with his children has also been marked by both love and heartbreak. His son Jamie passed away in 2020 after a long battle with liver cancer, another devastating blow to the actor. Despite these challenges, Redford continued to persevere, drawing strength from his family, his art, and his love for nature.
His Greatest Love
Now, in his later years, Redford has confessed that the greatest love of his life was not an actress or a glamorous Hollywood star but rather a woman who shared his values and passions. While he has never publicly named this person, those close to him believe he’s referring to Lola Van Wagenen, the woman with whom he shared his most formative years. Their love may have ended in divorce, but the impact she had on his life was profound.
A Lasting Legacy
Robert Redford’s life is a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence. From his early days as a rebellious teenager to his rise as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Redford has always stayed true to himself, choosing roles and projects that reflect his values. His legacy is not only in the films he’s made or the awards he’s won but in the lives he’s touched through his environmental activism, the Sundance Film Festival, and his commitment to independent filmmaking.
At 88, Robert Redford has lived a life filled with love, loss, and enduring impact. He may be a legend, but at his core, he’s a man who has loved deeply, lost profoundly, and never stopped fighting for what he believes in. As he looks back on his life, it’s clear that Redford’s legacy will be remembered not only for his talent but for his resilience, his courage, and his heart.