Remembering Robert Redford: Hollywood Icon, Family Man, and Sundance Visionary

Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Renowned for his Oscar-winning performances and transformative impact on independent cinema, Redford’s life blended professional achievement with personal devotion, leaving a lasting mark on Hollywood and beyond.

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford rose to international fame through his charisma and talent. His passion for independent filmmaking led him to create the Sundance Institute, fostering countless emerging artists and shaping the future of cinema.

Redford married his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, in 1958, and together they had four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy. Tragedy struck early when their first child, Scott, died at seven weeks from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a loss Redford described as deeply traumatic.

In 1960, their daughter Shauna was born. A successful painter, she has two children with her husband Eric Schlosser and has carried forward her father’s commitment to the arts. James “Jamie” Redford, their second son, became a talented filmmaker, directing projects such as The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia. He married Kyle and had two children, openly discussing the pressures of growing up in the public eye and the importance of carving his own path. Amy Redford, the youngest, followed her father into entertainment as an actress, director, and producer, advocating for women in the industry while raising her own children.

In 2020, Redford endured another profound loss when his son James passed away from liver cancer after battling a rare liver disease, leaving the family grieving deeply. Though Redford and Van Wagenen separated in the early 1980s and reportedly divorced around 1985, the details of their split remained private.

In 2009, Redford married longtime partner Sibylle Szaggars, a multimedia artist and environmental advocate. The couple lived in Sundance, Utah, where Redford spent his final years surrounded by the mountains and nature he cherished.

Redford’s legacy extends far beyond the screen. Through his children, the films he created and inspired, and the enduring impact of the Sundance community, he leaves behind a life defined by artistry, vision, and love.