Robert Redford’s Wife: Inside the Late Actor’s Marriage and Family Life

Robert Redford, the Oscar-winning actor and director, died on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. At the time of his death, he was married to Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born artist and environmental activist. Redford and Szaggars had been together for nearly three decades.

The legendary actor was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to historian and activist Lola Van Wagenen in the late 1950s. Their marriage lasted almost 30 years before ending in divorce. Redford always spoke warmly about both women, crediting them as important parts of his personal journey.

Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars

Redford met Sibylle Szaggars in 1996 at his Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. She was visiting as a skier. According to the actor, what drew him to her was the fact that she did not know him as a movie star but simply as a person.

The pair confirmed their engagement in 2008 and married in a private ceremony in Germany in 2009. They preferred to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, though they often appeared at charity events together.

Redford once described Szaggars as “a very special person.” He admired her European background and artistic spirit. Their marriage lasted until his final days, making her his partner for almost 30 years.

Robert Redford’s First Marriage to Lola Van Wagenen

Before his life with Szaggars, Redford was married to Lola Van Wagenen. They wed in 1958 when he was just beginning his career. Van Wagenen was a historian and activist from Utah. The couple had four children together, though they endured tragedy when their first child, Scott, died in infancy.

Their marriage ended in divorce in the mid-1980s. Despite the separation, Redford said they maintained a strong friendship and mutual respect. Van Wagenen later remarried and continued her career in education and activism.

Robert Redford’s Children and Grandchildren

Redford and Van Wagenen raised three surviving children: Shauna, James, and Amy. His son James, a filmmaker and activist, died in 2020 after a battle with cancer.

The Redford family grew to include seven grandchildren. His children carried on both artistic and activist traditions, ensuring his legacy lived beyond the screen.

Robert Redford’s wife remained a central figure in his life until the very end. His two marriages and family ties shaped the private man behind the public icon.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Who was Robert Redford’s wife at the time of his death?

Robert Redford’s wife was Sibylle Szaggars, a German artist and environmentalist. They married in 2009 and remained together until his passing in 2025.

Q2: How many times was Robert Redford married?

He was married twice. His first marriage was to Lola Van Wagenen, and his second was to Sibylle Szaggars.

Q3: Did Robert Redford have children?

Yes, he had four children with his first wife. His eldest son died in infancy, and his son James died in 2020. Three children survived him.

Q4: How long were Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars together?

They were together for nearly 30 years, from their first meeting in 1996 until Redford’s death in 2025.

Q5: What did Redford say about his first marriage?

He said the divorce was mutual and that they remained friends. He often praised Van Wagenen for her role in raising their children.