Robert Redford: A Devoted Father of Four Whose Life Was Touched by Heartbreaking Loss

Robert Redford wasn’t just the golden-haired Hollywood star who lit up the screen in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or the visionary behind the Sundance Film Festival. At his core, he was a deeply committed family man, shaped by profound joy and unimaginable sorrow.

The legendary actor and director, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at age 89 in his beloved Utah home, left behind an extraordinary legacy in film and beyond. But for those who knew him best, his proudest role was as a father to four children with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen.

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, he rose from humble roots to become one of cinema’s most enduring icons, all while cherishing the quiet moments with his family amid the spotlight.

A Marriage Filled with Love and Early Heartbreak

Redford married Lola Van Wagenen, a producer and historian, in 1958. Their nearly 30-year union brought four kids into the world, but it began with devastating tragedy.

Their firstborn, Scott, arrived in 1959 and lived only two and a half months before passing from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The young couple—Redford just 22, Lola 20—were shattered.

He rarely spoke publicly about it at first, turning inward and pouring himself into his budding career. Years later, he opened up about the pain: “It was traumatic… We were just starting our lives. You’re not equipped to deal with it when you’re that young. You have to move on, but it’s pretty traumatic.”

Despite the grief, they pressed forward, welcoming more children and building a life together.

Shauna Redford: The Artist in the Family

In 1960 came their daughter Shauna, who grew into a talented painter rather than chasing the acting spotlight. She’s been married to journalist and author Eric Schlosser since 1985, and they have two kids, Conor and Mica.

Shauna brought a creative spark to the family in her own way. Redford often spoke warmly of her, especially when passing the torch for Sundance.

In 2018, he shared his vision for the future: “I’ve been spending a lot of time bringing my children—Shauna and Amy and Jamie—into the picture… They’re inheriting what I started, and they’re going to keep it going with my grandchildren.”

Family life back then sounded wonderfully ordinary. Lola once recalled their New York apartment revolving around the kitchen—everyone loved cooking, but when Dad was in charge alone, the kids took over the stove.

James (Jamie) Redford: The Filmmaker with a Fighting Spirit

Their son James, known as Jamie, born in 1962, followed a creative path as a documentary filmmaker. His works, like The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia, earned acclaim and reflected his passion for meaningful stories.

Jamie battled health issues from a young age, undergoing two liver transplants before succumbing to bile-duct cancer in 2020 at 58. He left behind his wife Kyle, after 35 years together, and their children Dylan and Lena.

Growing up as Redford’s son wasn’t always easy. Jamie once reflected: “The name can be helpful, but it’s also a challenge… At the end of the day, you have to prove yourself through your work.”

His loss hit the family hard. A statement at the time read: “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child… Jamie’s legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking, and devoted passion.”

Amy Redford: Carrying the Creative Torch

The youngest, Amy, born in 1970, embraced the family trade as an actress, director, and producer. She’s helmed films like The Guitar and credits her dad for inspiring her nomadic, artistic life.

Amy has spoken about watching him on sets as a kid and feeling drawn to that world. She’s also been vocal about challenges for women in the industry, hoping her work paves a smoother path for her own daughter.

Living with partner Matt August, Amy has navigated co-parenting and divorce with grace, reflecting on the autonomy it brings: “You have to take a lot more responsibility for the culture of your home.”

Later Years and a Quiet Farewell

After separating from Lola in the mid-1980s, Redford found lasting companionship with artist Sibylle Szaggars, marrying her in 2009. They shared his Sundance home in Utah, where he spent his final days.

Redford’s life was a blend of dazzling achievements and private sorrows—the early loss of Scott and then Jamie in 2020. Yet he faced it all with quiet resilience, always prioritizing family amid his groundbreaking work in film and conservation.

His children and grandchildren carry forward not just his name, but the values of creativity, independence, and heart that defined him.