The Two Women Who Defined Robert Redford's Life: Inside His Marriages To Lola Van Wagenen And Sibylle Szaggars

The legendary career of Robert Redford, a man synonymous with Hollywood cool, environmental activism, and the independent spirit of the Sundance Film Festival, was underpinned by two profound and enduring marriages. As of December 2025, the world continues to reflect on the legacy of the late icon, who passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89, a life that was deeply shaped by his two wives: Lola Van Wagenen and Sibylle Szaggars Redford. These women, both activists and artists in their own right, represented the two crucial chapters of his personal life, providing stability, inspiration, and a shared commitment to a better world. The narrative of Robert Redford’s romantic life is not one of fleeting Hollywood romances, but of deep, decades-long commitments. His relationships with Lola Van Wagenen and the German-born Sibylle Szaggars were marked by privacy, mutual respect, and a shared passion for causes far greater than the silver screen. This article delves into the lives of these two remarkable women, exploring their individual accomplishments and the unique dynamics of their marriages to one of the most private stars in cinematic history.

Robert Redford’s Wives: A Complete Profile and Biography

Robert Redford was married twice during his lifetime. His first wife was a historian and activist, and his second wife is a multimedia environmental artist. Both women maintained private lives outside of the Hollywood spotlight.

Sibylle Szaggars Redford (Second Wife)

• Date of Birth: August 4, 1957
• Place of Birth: Hamburg, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Occupation: Multimedia Environmental Artist, Activist
• Marriage Date: July 2009
• Relationship Duration: 1996–2025 (29 years total, 16 years of marriage)
• Children with Redford: None
• Key Projects: Creator of "The Way of the Rain" performance art series.

Lola Van Wagenen (First Wife)

• Date of Birth: August 30, 1939
• Place of Birth: Provo, Utah, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Historian, Environmental Activist, Documentary Producer
• Marriage Date: September 12, 1958
• Divorce Date: 1985
• Relationship Duration: 27 years
• Children with Redford: Four—Shauna Redford, James Redford (deceased), Amy Redford, and Scott Redford (deceased).
• Key Accomplishments: Co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), earned a Ph.D. in American History.

Lola Van Wagenen: The Foundation of the Redford Family Legacy

The story of Robert Redford's first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen is one of humble beginnings and shared struggle that predated his rise to global stardom. They met in Los Angeles in 1957 and married in 1958 when Redford was just 21 years old. Their 27-year union established the deep roots of the Redford family, which would later become a central part of his life. Lola Van Wagenen was far more than just a famous actor's wife; she was an intellectual and a dedicated activist. She co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a non-profit organization focused on environmental and consumer issues, showcasing a commitment to social change that mirrored Redford's own burgeoning activism. Their shared values and Utah heritage—Lola was born in Provo—helped ground the family amidst the chaos of Hollywood.

Tragedy and Triumph in the First Marriage

The couple faced immense hardship early in their marriage with the tragic loss of their first child, Scott Anthony Redford, who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) just two and a half months after his birth in 1959. This profound loss was a defining moment for the young couple. They went on to have three more children: Shauna Redford, James Redford, and Amy Redford. While the marriage ended in a quiet, amicable divorce in 1985, the bond remained strong. Lola continued her academic pursuits, eventually earning a Ph.D. in American History, and remained a supportive figure in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Following Redford’s recent passing, Lola Van Wagenen shared a deeply emotional tribute, underscoring the enduring respect and affection between the former couple.

Sibylle Szaggars Redford: The Environmental Artist and Soulmate

A decade after his divorce, Robert Redford found his second great love with Sibylle Szaggars. They first met in 1996 at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, the very place Redford had established as a haven for independent art and environmental stewardship. Sibylle, a German-born visual artist, brought a new, vibrant energy to his life, a fact Redford himself often spoke about, crediting her with giving him "a whole new life." The couple dated for 13 years before quietly marrying in July 2009 in a private ceremony in Sibylle's native Germany. Their relationship was distinguished by a profound connection over their shared environmental passions, despite a 20-year age gap.

The Way of the Rain: A Shared Artistic Vision

Sibylle Szaggars Redford is a highly respected multimedia environmental artist whose work has been exhibited globally in Europe, Monaco, Peru, and Japan. Her most significant contribution to the environmental art world is the creation of "The Way of the Rain," a unique, multi-sensory performance art piece. The project, which has been performed at venues including the Sundance Film Festival, is a powerful artistic statement conceived to explore the issue of climate change and the rapidly changing weather patterns of nature. The performance combines Sibylle’s "Rain Paintings"—artworks created to honor the rain and raise awareness of nature's rhythms—with music, spoken word, and film. Robert Redford was an active collaborator, often providing narration for the performances, cementing their professional and personal partnership as a true meeting of minds and shared purpose.

The Enduring Legacy of Redford’s Private Life

The two marriages of Robert Redford illustrate a man who valued substance over celebrity. He chose partners who were intellectuals, activists, and artists, not simply accessories to his fame. The marriage to Lola Van Wagenen provided him with a family and grounded him during his ascent to superstardom, a period that included iconic films like *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* and *The Way We Were*. Lola’s work as a historian and activist laid a foundation of social consciousness that Redford would carry throughout his life. The second marriage to Sibylle Szaggars Redford was a mature partnership focused on a shared mission. Sibylle, through her *The Way of the Rain* project, provided Redford with a creative outlet late in his career that directly addressed the climate crisis, an issue close to his heart. Their commitment to environmental causes, from promoting awareness of global warming to supporting various foundations, was a testament to the powerful synergy of their relationship. Ultimately, both Lola Van Wagenen and Sibylle Szaggars Redford were integral to the complete picture of Robert Redford. They were strong, independent women who complemented and challenged the Hollywood legend, ensuring his private life was as rich and meaningful as his public one. The quiet dignity with which both women have handled the spotlight, particularly in the wake of his recent passing, speaks volumes about the quality of the man they chose to spend their lives with.