Robert Redford is a name that has become synonymous with Hollywood royalty. He’s an actor, director, and producer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. But there’s so much more to this iconic figure than just his impressive filmography. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the life and legacy of Robert Redford.
Who is Robert Redford?
Robert Redford was born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. That makes him 88 years old as of 2024. Redford’s early life was marked by tragedy. His mother died when he was just 18, and his father remarried soon after. Despite these challenges, Redford excelled in school and earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado.
But Redford’s true passion was acting. He dropped out of college after a year and moved to New York City to pursue his dream. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began landing roles on stage and television.
Redford’s big break came in 1963 when he starred opposite Jane Fonda in the Broadway play “Barefoot in the Park.” The play was a huge success, and Redford’s performance earned him critical acclaim.
From there, Redford’s career took off. He starred in a string of hit movies throughout the 1960s and 70s, including “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” and “All the President’s Men.” He also began directing, earning an Academy Award for Best Director for his debut film, “Ordinary People,” in 1980.
Robert Redford’s Family Overview
Robert Redford has been married twice and has four children. His first marriage was to Lola Van Wagenen, whom he met while attending the University of Colorado. The couple married in 1958 and had four children together: Scott, Shauna, David, and Amy.
Sadly, the couple’s firstborn son, Scott, died of sudden infant death syndrome when he was just two and a half months old. The loss was devastating for Redford and his wife, but they went on to have three more children together.
Redford and Van Wagenen divorced in 1985 after 27 years of marriage. Redford later married his longtime partner, Sibylle Szaggars, in 2009. The couple had been together since the mid-1990s and tied the knot in a private ceremony in Hamburg, Germany.
Despite the ups and downs of his personal life, Redford has always been a devoted father to his children. He has spoken publicly about the importance of family and the role that his children have played in his life and career.
James Redford
James Redford was Robert Redford’s son from his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen. He was born on May 5, 1962, in New York City.
Like his father, James was passionate about filmmaking and environmental activism. He directed and produced several documentaries that focused on social and environmental issues, including “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia” and “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution.”
Sadly, James passed away in October 2020 at the age of 58 after a battle with liver cancer. His death was a huge loss for the Redford family and the environmental community.
In a statement released after James’ death, Robert Redford said, “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment.”
Shauna Redford
Shauna Redford is Robert Redford’s daughter from his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen. She was born on November 15, 1960, in Los Angeles, California.
Shauna has largely stayed out of the public eye, but she has pursued a career in art and design. She studied at the California Institute of the Arts and has worked as a painter, sculptor, and jewelry designer.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Shauna is also an advocate for environmental causes. She has served on the board of directors for the Redford Center, a nonprofit organization founded by her father that uses storytelling to inspire environmental action.
Shauna has been married twice and has two children. Her first marriage was to journalist Eric Schlosser, with whom she had a daughter named Mica. The couple divorced in 1994. Shauna later married journalist and author Matthew Carnahan, with whom she had a son named Roan.
Despite her famous father, Shauna has managed to maintain a relatively low profile throughout her life. She has rarely given interviews or made public appearances, preferring instead to focus on her family and her artistic pursuits.
Amy Redford
Robert Redford’s daughter, Amy Redford, has followed in her father’s footsteps and made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Born on October 22, 1970, Amy is an actress, director, and producer. She made her acting debut in her father’s film “The Horse Whisperer” (1998) and has since appeared in various films and television shows.
In 2008, Amy made her directorial debut with the independent film “The Guitar,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. She has also directed episodes of popular TV series like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Amy’s talent and dedication to her craft have earned her critical acclaim and a respected place in the industry.
Scott Redford
While Robert Redford has enjoyed a successful career and loving family, he has also experienced heartbreaking loss. In 2020, Redford’s son James, also known as Jamie, passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with liver cancer. Jamie was Redford’s third child and only son with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen.
Redford released a statement expressing his grief, saying, “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment.” The loss of a child is an unimaginable pain, and Redford’s strength and resilience during this difficult time are a testament to his character.
Robert Redford as a Grandfather
In addition to being a celebrated actor and filmmaker, Robert Redford is also a proud grandfather. He has seven grandchildren, including Dylan Redford, who has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting. Dylan has appeared in films like “Omniboat: A Fast Boat Fantasia” (2020) and “First Winter” (2012).
Redford has spoken about the joy of being a grandfather, saying, “I love being a grandfather. I love watching them grow and discover the world. It’s a whole different perspective on life.” As a grandfather, Redford has the opportunity to pass down his wisdom and experience to a new generation, ensuring that his legacy will live on for years to come.
Redford Family Legacy
The Redford family has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with Robert Redford leading the way. His children and grandchildren have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in acting, directing, and producing. Redford’s ex-wife, Lola Van Wagenen, is also an accomplished historian and environmental activist.
Together, the Redford family has used their platform to raise awareness about important issues like environmentalism and conservation. They have also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Redford Center, which promotes environmental filmmaking. The Redford family legacy is one of creativity, passion, and dedication to making the world a better place.
Conclusion
Robert Redford’s impact on the entertainment industry and beyond is immeasurable. From his iconic film roles to his influential work as a director and environmentalist, Redford has left an indelible mark on the world. His family, including his talented daughter Amy and his beloved grandchildren, have followed in his footsteps and are carrying on his legacy of creativity and activism.
Despite facing heartbreaking loss, Redford has remained a pillar of strength and resilience, inspiring countless fans and admirers around the world. As we look back on his incredible career and the enduring legacy of the Redford family, we can’t help but feel grateful for the countless ways in which they have enriched our lives and our world.
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