Robert Redford: A Life of Love, Loss, and Legacy

For decades, Robert Redford has been a Hollywood icon, celebrated for his charm, talent, and an acting career that seems to have been destined for the silver screen.

From his iconic roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to The Way We Were, Redford captivated audiences with his golden hair, blue eyes, and effortless charisma. Yet behind the camera, there was a deeply personal story of love, loss, and family that remained largely hidden from public view—until now.

At 88, Redford has finally opened up about the greatest love of his life, shedding light on the one relationship that left an indelible mark on his heart. In an emotional revelation, Redford reflects on his early years, the heartache he endured, and the woman who stood by him through it all—his first wife, Lola van Wagenen.

From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom

Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1936, Robert Redford’s early life was far from glamorous. Raised in a working-class family, he grew up with a modest lifestyle that stood in stark contrast to the lavish world of Hollywood.

His father, an accountant, and his mother, a homemaker, instilled in him values of hard work and determination, even though young Robert’s heart was more attuned to art, sports, and the outdoors than to academics.

Though he described himself as a “bad student,” his passion for tennis and painting was unmistakable. He even had the chance to warm up tennis legend Pancho Gonzalez at the Los Angeles Tennis Club. However, Redford’s academic struggles led to his eventual expulsion from the University of Colorado, which could have marked the end of his story.

But Redford was undeterred. He spent time traveling through Europe, living simply in France, Spain, and Italy, absorbing life through his art. It was there that the seed of acting was planted.

After returning to the United States, he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where he would begin his journey into acting. Though his early years in the industry were filled with small roles, Redford’s resilience set him on the path to stardom.

A Love Story for the Ages

In the late 1950s, Redford met Lola van Wagenen, a woman whose calm and grounded nature contrasted with his more rebellious spirit. Hailing from Provo, Utah, Lola came from a strict Mormon background, yet she saw something in Robert that no one else did.

Their connection was immediate and intense. In 1958, despite the objections of her parents, they eloped, starting a new chapter in their lives.

The early years of their marriage were far from easy. Redford was struggling to make it in Hollywood, and finances were tight. They lived in small apartments, scraping by on whatever work Robert could find.

But then, tragedy struck: their first child, Scott, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It was a devastating loss, one that tested the couple’s strength. Yet, it also brought them closer. Redford later described Lola as the love of his life, and it’s easy to see why. Her unwavering support and strength helped him through the darkest moments of his life.

The Rise to Fame and Its Toll

As Redford’s career began to soar, so did the pressures of fame. His breakout role in the Broadway production of Barefoot in the Park in 1963, followed by a string of successful TV appearances and film roles, cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

By the late 1960s, he was a full-fledged movie star, thanks in part to his iconic role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman. Redford’s charm and charisma made him an instant heartthrob.

But the demands of fame took a toll on his personal life. While Redford was working long hours on film sets, Lola was at home, raising their three children—Shauna, David, and Amy.

The strain of balancing a skyrocketing career with family life became evident, and by 1985, after 27 years of marriage, the couple divorced. Although their marriage ended, their bond remained strong, and Redford continued to describe Lola as the greatest love of his life.

Love After Lola

After his divorce from Lola, Redford’s love life took a few more twists and turns. In 1987, he met Brazilian actress Sonia Braga. Their relationship, though brief, was filled with passion and intensity. A few years later, he fell for Swedish actress Lena Olin while filming Havana in 1990. Though their romance was short-lived, it left an impact on Redford.

By the mid-1990s, Redford’s personal life had become more private. He entered a quiet, stable relationship with costume designer Kathy O’Rear, who was nearly two decades his junior. While their relationship didn’t make headlines, it provided Redford with the sense of stability he needed after years of public scrutiny.

The Love That Endured

In 1999, Redford met Seil Saggers, an artist and environmental activist. Their connection was immediate, and in 2009, they married in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany.

Seil’s passion for the environment and her grounded nature complemented Redford’s own commitment to activism, particularly through the Sundance Institute. Together, they co-founded The Way of the Rain, a nonprofit aimed at raising environmental awareness through art and storytelling.

Seil became an important part of Robert’s life, especially as he grew older. With her by his side, Redford continued to be a force in the world of environmental activism and storytelling.

A Legacy of Love and Family

Through all the ups and downs of his personal life, Robert Redford remained dedicated to his family. His two sons, James and Scott, followed in his footsteps, with James becoming a renowned filmmaker and environmental activist before tragically passing away from liver cancer in 2020. Redford’s daughters, Shauna and Amy, continue to thrive in their respective creative fields, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

Today, Robert Redford’s story is not just one of cinematic success but of personal resilience. From the heartbreak of losing his first child to the deep grief of losing his son James, Redford has navigated life with grace and strength. His journey is one of love, loss, and unwavering dedication to his craft, his family, and the planet.

As he looks back on his extraordinary life, Redford reflects on the power of storytelling—whether through his films or the love he shared with those closest to him. His story is one that continues to inspire, proving that even the greatest of Hollywood legends are shaped by the most intimate and powerful relationships of all.