The Secret Second Wedding: 7 Untold Facts About Robert Redford And Sibylle Szaggars’ Enduring Marriage

Robert Redford’s marriage to the German multimedia artist Sibylle Szaggars remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and private love stories. Their relationship, which began quietly in the mid-1990s, culminated in a secret wedding ceremony that few details were known about until years later. As of December 18, 2025, their union continues to be a testament to a shared passion for art, nature, and a fiercely guarded privacy, providing a fascinating contrast to the typical celebrity coupling. The story of their 2009 wedding in Hamburg, Germany, is a perfect reflection of their low-key lifestyle, a stark departure from the glitz of Redford’s Hollywood career. This deep dive explores the fascinating biography of the couple and the seven most intriguing facts about their long-lasting bond, from their unexpected meeting to their collaborative work on climate change awareness.

Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars: A Dual Biography

The foundation of their marriage is rooted in two distinct worlds—Hollywood royalty and the European art scene—which ultimately converged in the American West.

Robert Redford (Charles Robert Redford Jr.)

• Born: August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California.
• Age: 89 (as of late 2025).
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Businessman, Environmentalist.
• Notable Works: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President's Men, Out of Africa, Ordinary People (Director).
• Key Achievement: Founder of the Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute, a major hub for independent cinema.
• First Marriage: Lola Van Wagenen (m. 1958; div. 1985).
• Children: Four (Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy). Sadly, Scott and James have passed away.

Sibylle Szaggars Redford

• Born: 1957 in Hamburg, Germany.
• Age: 68 (as of late 2025).
• Occupation: Multimedia Environmental Artist.
• Artistic Style: Known for "Rain Painting" and large-scale, often abstract, works that explore nature and environmental themes.
• Major Project: Creator and Artistic Director of "The Way of the Rain," a multidisciplinary performance piece focused on climate change.
• Notable Exhibitions: Her work has been showcased globally in Europe, Monaco, Peru, Singapore, and Japan.

The Secret Second Wedding: Where and When They Tied the Knot

The wedding of Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars was a masterclass in discretion, a quality both have valued throughout their decades-long relationship. After meeting in the mid-1990s—reportedly around 1996—they dated for over a decade before finally making their union official. The ceremony took place in July 2009, not in the United States, but in Sibylle’s native Germany.

The Louis C. Jacob Hotel Ceremony

The chosen venue was the luxurious Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, a setting that offered the privacy they craved. The guest list was exceptionally small, limited to just 30 close family members and friends. Redford, known for his classic Western style, opted for a bright, non-traditional look, wearing a white suit for the occasion. This intimate, understated event perfectly symbolized their relationship: deeply personal and far removed from the glare of the paparazzi.

7 Untold Facts About the Redford-Szaggars Enduring Bond

The longevity of their marriage—now over 16 years and counting—is often attributed to their mutual respect for each other's work and their shared passion for the natural world. Here are seven fascinating facts that define their relationship.

1. The 20-Year Age Gap Was Irrelevant

Robert Redford is 20 years Sibylle Szaggars' senior, a detail that has occasionally been noted by the media. However, the couple has consistently demonstrated that the age difference is a non-factor in their profound connection. Their bond is built on shared intellectual and artistic pursuits, particularly their environmental activism, which transcends generational differences.

2. They Met at Sundance

It is fitting that the man synonymous with independent cinema met his future wife at his own sanctuary. The couple first crossed paths at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. This location, the heart of Redford’s environmental and artistic passions, became the backdrop for the beginning of their life together.

3. Sibylle Didn't Know He Was Famous

In a detail that Redford himself found refreshing, Sibylle was largely unaware of his massive Hollywood stardom when they first met. She had limited exposure to American cinema, and her lack of idolization was a major draw for the actor, who had spent decades navigating the intense scrutiny of fame. This allowed their relationship to develop on a foundation of genuine connection rather than celebrity status.

4. Sibylle is a Stepmother to Redford’s Surviving Children

Sibylle became the stepmother to Redford’s surviving children, Shauna and Amy Redford. The Redford family has endured personal tragedy, including the loss of two sons, Scott and James. Sibylle’s presence and support have been an integral part of the family’s life since the mid-90s, offering stability and companionship during both joyful and difficult times.

5. Their Shared Passion is Climate Change Activism

While Redford has long been an outspoken environmentalist, Sibylle’s art provided a new, collaborative dimension to their activism. Her signature project, "The Way of the Rain," is a multimedia performance piece that combines her visual art with music, dance, and spoken word to raise awareness about the climate crisis and the rapidly changing weather patterns. Redford has often supported and promoted this work, making environmental stewardship a central theme of their married life.

6. Her Art is Inspired by the Desert Monsoon

Sibylle's "Rain Paintings" are a direct result of her life in the American Southwest, specifically the high-desert plateaus near the Sundance Resort. She captures the essence of the annual monsoon rains, which are vital to the fragile ecosystem. Her work is a spiritual and environmental tribute, using the natural elements themselves—like the rain—to create the texture and color of her canvases, a unique process that reflects her deep connection to the land.

7. They Are Rarely Photographed Together

Unlike many celebrity couples who embrace the spotlight, Redford and Szaggars have maintained an almost monastic level of privacy. Their appearances together are usually limited to events related to the Sundance Institute or "The Way of the Rain" performances. This deliberate choice to keep their personal life out of the public eye is a key factor in the stability and longevity of their marriage, allowing them to focus on their art, family, and activism without the constant pressure of celebrity culture. Their enduring love story proves that sometimes, the quietest relationships are the strongest.