Robert Redford's Family Life: A Closer Look At His Kids And Legacy

When you think of Robert Redford, you probably picture him on the big screen in iconic roles like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President's Men. But there's another side to this Hollywood legend that many people don't know about—his role as a father. That's right, the film icon is a proud dad of four children with his ex-wife, Lola Van Wagenen. Let's dive into their story and explore how Redford's family has shaped his life both on and off-screen.

A Journey Through Love and Loss

Back in 1958, Robert Redford tied the knot with Lola Van Wagenen, an American historian, and they quickly started their family together. Their first child, Scott, was born in September 1959, but tragically, Scott passed away just two months later in November. This heartbreak could have broken anyone, but Robert and Lola didn’t let it stop them from building the family they dreamed of. Their resilience in the face of such loss is truly remarkable.

Growing the Family

After Scott, Robert and Lola welcomed their daughter, Shauna, in 1960. She was followed by their son James, affectionately known as “Jamie,” in 1962. Completing their family, they had their youngest daughter, Amy, in 1970. For the next 15 years, this talented couple raised their three children together, blending their busy careers with the joys and challenges of parenthood.

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But life doesn’t always follow a perfect script, and in 1985, Robert and Lola decided to part ways. Divorce is never easy, but they managed to stay connected as parents, watching their children grow into accomplished adults.

Following in Dad's Footsteps

As the kids grew up, they each carved out their own paths, often inspired by their father's success. Jamie and Amy both chose careers in Hollywood, following in Redford's footsteps. Jamie, in particular, made a name for himself as a writer and director, working on projects like Paper Tigers. Meanwhile, Amy pursued acting and made waves in the industry just like her dad.

Shauna, however, took a different route. She channeled her creativity into visual arts, becoming a celebrated painter and sculptor. It’s fascinating to see how each child found their own way to shine, proving that talent runs deep in this family.

A Heartbreaking Loss

Unfortunately, life has thrown some tough challenges at the Redford family. In mid-October 2020, Jamie passed away at the age of 58 after a long battle with liver cancer. His wife, Kyle Redford, shared a heartfelt tribute on Twitter, expressing the family's profound grief. “Jamie died today. We’re heartbroken,” she wrote. “He lived a beautiful, impactful life and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. As his wife of 32 years, I’m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together.”

This loss was deeply felt by the entire family, but it also reminded everyone of the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

Continuing the Legacy

Even in the face of such personal tragedy, Robert Redford continues to focus on what truly matters—family and meaningful work. Just two months before Jamie’s passing, Robert celebrated his 84th birthday surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, whom he married in 2009. Speaking to Closer Weekly, Redford reflected on his priorities. “I have always looked forward, so I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about the past,” he said. His positive outlook and dedication to family are truly inspiring.

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As we learn more about Robert Redford’s life beyond the silver screen, it becomes clear that his legacy extends far beyond his acting career. He’s built a family filled with love, creativity, and resilience, and that’s something truly special.

Scroll through the gallery below to learn even more about Robert Redford’s incredible kids and their inspiring journeys.