The name Scott Anthony Redford is often associated with a tragic, brief chapter in the life of Hollywood legend Robert Redford. Born in 1959, Scott's life was cut short by a devastating event that deeply impacted the young family, a subject that remains a poignant part of the Redford family history. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, the story of Scott continues to circulate online, often marred by misinformation that confuses his identity with that of an actor or director—a claim that is entirely false and must be corrected. This comprehensive article aims to clarify the facts, honor the memory of Scott Anthony Redford, and explore the profound grief experienced by Robert Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, during the earliest days of their family life. We will delve into the true biographical details, the circumstances of his passing, and the subsequent path of the Redford family, providing a fresh and accurate perspective on this sensitive topic.
Scott Anthony Redford: A Brief Life and Definitive Biography
The confusion surrounding Scott Anthony Redford's identity stems from various online sources that incorrectly list him as an actor or filmmaker. The definitive truth, confirmed by multiple biographical accounts of the Redford family, is a story of profound loss.
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Scott Anthony Redford |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | New York, New York, United States |
| Date of Death | November 19, 1959 (Some sources cite November 17) |
| Age at Death | 2.5 Months Old |
| Cause of Death | Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
| Father | Charles Robert Redford Jr. (Robert Redford) |
| Mother | Lola Van Wagenen (Historian) |
| Siblings | Shauna Jean Redford, David James "Jamie" Redford (deceased), Amy Hart Redford |
| Profession | None (Died in infancy) |
Scott Anthony Redford was the firstborn child of Robert Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. The couple had married in Las Vegas in 1958, and Scott's birth in 1959 marked the beginning of their family. His brief life was a moment of joy for the young couple, but it was tragically cut short just ten weeks later.
The Heartbreaking SIDS Tragedy of 1959
The death of Scott Anthony Redford in November 1959 was an unexpected and devastating event that occurred during a pivotal time in Robert Redford’s life, just as his acting career was beginning to take off. The cause of death was confirmed to be Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a diagnosis given to the sudden, unexplained death of a baby under one year of age. The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and for the Redford-Van Wagenen family, it was a source of immense private grief. Robert Redford, in later interviews, spoke candidly about the profound impact of this loss, noting that he was too young at the time to fully understand the depth of the tragedy, which he later described as a "terrible blow". The experience is said to have cast a long shadow over their early years as parents. The family went on to have three more children: daughter Shauna Jean Redford (born 1960), son David James "Jamie" Redford (born 1962), and daughter Amy Hart Redford (born 1970). The memory of Scott, however, remained a silent but significant part of the family’s foundation, shaping their perspective on life, love, and loss.
Addressing the Online Confusion: Actor, Director, or Infant?
A significant amount of online misinformation incorrectly attributes a professional career to Scott Anthony Redford. Some biographical snippets claim he was an American actor, director, and producer known for films like *The Falcon and the Snowman* and *Quiz Show*. This confusion is a classic example of how errors can propagate across the internet, creating a fictional persona. The truth is that Scott Anthony Redford passed away in 1959, decades before the production of the films mentioned in the erroneous reports. The roles and career achievements mentioned are almost certainly a confusion with his famous father, Robert Redford, or possibly an amalgamation of details from the lives of his siblings, David James Redford (a documentary filmmaker and activist who also passed away tragically in 2020) and Amy Hart Redford (an actress and director). It is essential for those seeking accurate information to understand that:
- Scott Anthony Redford was an infant who died of SIDS. He did not live long enough to pursue any career.
- The "actor, director" claims are factually incorrect. They should be disregarded in favor of the verified biographical data.
This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Redford family's history and honoring the true memory of Scott.
The Redford Family Legacy of Art and Activism
While Scott Anthony Redford's life was tragically short, the legacy of the Redford family is one of immense creativity, art, and commitment to environmental and social causes. His siblings have all made significant contributions:
- Shauna Redford: A highly regarded painter and artist.
- David James "Jamie" Redford: A celebrated documentary filmmaker, writer, and environmental activist, who passed away in 2020 after a battle with liver cancer. His work focused on health, climate change, and the environment.
- Amy Hart Redford: An accomplished actress, director, and producer, carrying on the family's tradition in Hollywood.
The enduring influence of their parents, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen, is evident in their children's dedication to their respective crafts and causes. Robert Redford, the founder of the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, has created a platform that champions independent cinema, a legacy that continues to shape the film industry today. The family has faced multiple tragedies, including the loss of Scott in 1959 and Jamie in 2020, but their collective work continues to inspire.
