Discover the untold story of Robert Redford’s first wife, Lola Van Wagenen—their love, struggles, family tragedies, and how their marriage shaped the Hollywood legend’s life.
Who Is Lola Van Wagenen? Inside Robert Redford’s First Marriage
As the world remembers the late Robert Redford, many are reflecting not just on his iconic Hollywood career but also on the personal stories that shaped him. One of the most defining chapters of his life was his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen—a love story filled with resilience, heartbreak, and lasting respect.
Young Love and Humble Beginnings
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen married in 1958, when Redford was still an unknown young man chasing his dreams. Lola, a Mormon college student from Utah, became his partner in a life that began with very little money and plenty of uncertainty.
After their wedding, the couple returned home with just $300 and a borrowed car. Life was far from glamorous in those early years, but they leaned on each other as Robert struggled to find his footing in acting.
Family Tragedy and Heartbreak
Their journey together was not without hardship. Their first child tragically died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just five months old. The loss left deep emotional wounds, with Redford later recalling the immense grief and guilt they carried as young parents.
Despite the tragedy, Robert and Lola continued to build their family, welcoming three more children: Shauna, David, and Amy.
Balancing Family and Fame
As Robert’s acting career began to soar in the 1960s and 70s, the family still faced personal struggles. Their son David endured lifelong health battles, including two liver transplants, before sadly passing away in 2020 from bile duct cancer.
Through both fame and hardship, Robert and Lola worked to hold their family together.
Divorce, Respect, and New Paths
By the mid-1980s, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen made the difficult decision to divorce. Unlike many Hollywood splits, theirs was marked by mutual respect and continued support for one another.
Lola went on to make her mark as a documentary producer, working on acclaimed projects like American Experience and The State of Marriage. She later remarried and built a life in Vermont.
Love Later in Life
Robert eventually found love again with Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist. The two married in 2009 during a private ceremony in Germany, sharing a quiet and creative life together until his passing.
A Legacy Beyond Hollywood
Robert Redford passed away peacefully at age 89 in Utah, leaving behind not only a cinematic legacy but also a personal story of resilience. His first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen remains a testament to love, perseverance, and the strength to endure life’s greatest challenges.