The Untold Story Of Robert Redford's First Wife: 7 Fascinating Facts About Lola Van Wagenen's Life Now

Few Hollywood marriages are as long-lasting and quietly impactful as the 27-year union between screen icon Robert Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen. While Redford's career skyrocketed, Van Wagenen cultivated a powerful, independent life as a historian, activist, and documentary producer, a fascinating journey that continues to this day in December 2025. Their marriage, which began in 1958, produced four children and laid the foundation for Redford’s philanthropic and environmental passions, making her an indispensable, though often unsung, figure in his life story. The couple's eventual, mutual divorce in 1985 was notably amicable and free of the public scandal that plagues many celebrity splits. Lola Van Wagenen has since built a formidable career and a new private life, proving that her identity was never solely defined by her famous husband. This deep dive explores the full, remarkable biography of the woman who stood beside a legend and then forged an even more impressive path on her own terms.

Lola Van Wagenen: A Detailed Biographical Profile

Lola Van Wagenen is an American historian, environmental activist, and documentary film producer whose life's work has focused on social and consumer rights issues. Born in 1938, she met Robert Redford in 1957 and married him a year later, significantly before his rise to international stardom. Her commitment to academia and activism ran parallel to her husband's acting career, establishing a foundation of independence that defined her life post-divorce.

• Full Name: Lola Jean Van Wagenen
• Date of Birth: December 19, 1938
• Place of Birth: Utah, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Historian, Activist, Documentary Producer, Environmentalist
• Spouse (First): Robert Redford (m. 1958; div. 1985)
• Spouse (Second): George Burrill (m. 2002)
• Children with Robert Redford: Scott Redford (deceased, 1959), Shauna Redford (b. 1960), David James "Jamie" Redford (deceased, 2020), Amy Redford (b. 1970)
• Education: Earned a Master's degree in History from New York University and a Ph.D. from the American Civilization program at NYU.
• Notable Work: Co-founder of Consumer Action Now (CAN), Producer of documentaries including The Mike Douglas Show and American Experience.

Inside the 27-Year Marriage to Robert Redford

The relationship between Lola Van Wagenen and Robert Redford began in 1957, when Redford was a struggling art student and Van Wagenen was a young woman from a Mormon background in Utah. They married quickly in 1958, a decision that Redford later admitted was a way to ground himself amidst his restless early years. Their early life together was marked by financial struggle and great personal tragedy, which ultimately strengthened their bond for many years.

The couple faced the devastating loss of their first child, Scott, who died just two and a half months after his birth from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in 1959. This tragedy, coupled with the birth of three more children—Shauna, Jamie, and Amy—meant that their family life was a central focus, even as Redford’s star ascended in the 1960s with films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

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Unlike many Hollywood partners, Lola actively maintained her own identity and intellectual pursuits throughout the marriage. She was deeply committed to her studies and activism, a path that diverged significantly from the Hollywood spotlight. The marriage lasted 27 years, a remarkable feat in the entertainment world, before they quietly separated in 1985. Their split was described as a mutual decision, a natural end to a long journey, and notably lacked the public animosity or scandal that often accompanies high-profile divorces.

From Hollywood Wife to Influential Activist and Historian

Lola Van Wagenen's life post-1985 is arguably more compelling than her years as a celebrity spouse. She fully dedicated herself to her career as a historian and activist, establishing a legacy of her own that is both significant and impactful.

The Birth of Consumer Action Now (CAN)

One of Van Wagenen’s most significant achievements was the co-founding of Consumer Action Now (CAN) in 1970. This non-profit educational organization focused on consumer and environmental issues, long before environmentalism became a mainstream concern. Her work as an environmentalist and consumer rights advocate demonstrated a commitment to social change that has spanned decades.

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A Deep Dive into Academia and Documentary Film

Lola Van Wagenen is a highly educated individual, holding a Ph.D. from New York University’s American Civilization program. Her academic focus has often translated into her documentary work, where she has served as a producer. She is credited for her work on various films, including the popular series American Experience. Her ability to blend historical research with compelling visual storytelling is a testament to her unique skill set.

Lola Van Wagenen's Life After Robert Redford: Remarriage and Legacy

Contrary to the narrative of a woman living in the shadow of a famous ex-husband, Lola Van Wagenen moved forward to establish a completely new chapter in her personal life. A key detail often overlooked is that she remarried in 2002 to George Burrill, a development that cemented her independent path. This second marriage underscores her commitment to a private life defined by her own choices, away from the Hollywood machine.

Her legacy is not just in her academic and activist work but also in the family she raised. She and Redford share seven grandchildren, and despite their divorce, they maintained a supportive co-parenting relationship. This stability was crucial for their children, including their late son, documentary filmmaker Jamie Redford, who passed away in 2020. Lola Van Wagenen's quiet strength, intellectual rigor, and dedication to social and environmental causes make her a truly influential figure whose story deserves to be celebrated in its own right.

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