Introduction

Lola Van Wagenen is a respected American historian, environmental activist, and documentary producer who became widely known as the first wife of the late Hollywood icon Robert Redford. Long before Redford rose to global fame, Lola was already shaping her own path through education, advocacy, and historical preservation.

Today, her name has returned to public attention following heartfelt reflections from her daughter Amy Redford, who recently shared what she believes was the “best thing” her father did while raising their family. These reflections highlight the values that Robert and Lola instilled in their children—values rooted in stewardship, creativity, and responsibility to the world.

While the world mourns Robert Redford’s passing, Lola Van Wagenen’s story stands as one of strength, quiet influence, and enduring legacy.

Who She Is

Lola Van Wagenen is an American historian, educator, producer, and environmental activist. She is best known for her work in historical education and advocacy, as well as for co-founding organizations that promote consumer awareness and historical literacy.

She has spent her life championing education, sustainability, and cultural responsibility, building an identity far beyond her role as a Hollywood spouse.

Her Connection to the Celebrity

Lola Van Wagenen was the first wife of Robert Redford, whom she married in 1958 before he became a movie star. Their marriage lasted nearly three decades and shaped the foundation of Redford’s personal life, long before awards, fame, and Sundance.

They had four children together:

• Scott Anthony Redford (died in infancy, 1959)

• Shauna Redford (painter and artist)

• James “Jamie” Redford (documentary filmmaker, died 2020)

• Amy Redford (filmmaker and creative professional)

 

Why She Is Relevant Now

Lola Van Wagenen is trending again as Amy Redford, her daughter, recently shared a rare and touching interview with TODAY, reflecting on the values her father passed down. Amy credited her upbringing—shaped by both parents—for teaching stewardship, environmental respect, and independence of thought.

Her words indirectly highlight Lola’s influence in building the family’s moral and emotional foundation.

Early Life & Childhood

Lola Van Wagenen was born on December 12, 1938, in Utah. She grew up in a community deeply connected to nature, history, and conservation—values that later shaped both her activism and her children’s upbringing.

Her strong educational grounding and early interest in social justice laid the foundation for her future as a historian and advocate.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Details about Lola’s parents and siblings have largely remained private, consistent with her lifelong preference for discretion. What is clear is that her upbringing emphasized education, integrity, and responsibility—principles that later defined her marriage, parenting, and professional pursuits.

Education

Lola Van Wagenen is highly educated:

• She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Vermont College

• A Master’s degree in History from New York University

• A Ph.D. in American History from New York University

Her academic background strengthened her work as a historian and educator, particularly in making history accessible to the public.

Career or Profession

Lola is best known as:

• A historian

• Environmental activist

• Documentary producer

In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), an organization promoting environmental responsibility and consumer rights.

In 1995, she founded Clio Visualizing History, a nonprofit dedicated to improving historical literacy through visual storytelling and documentaries.

She later produced documentaries such as:

• Miss America (2002)

• The State of Marriage (2015)

Her work reflects a commitment to social progress and historical education.

Connection to the Celebrity

Lola met Robert Redford in the late 1950s, before he had achieved any fame. They married in 1958 in a modest ceremony. Their early life together was financially humble and emotionally intense as Robert explored acting while Lola supported their growing family.

They endured profound tragedy when their first son, Scott Anthony Redford, died at just two months old in 1959 due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The loss permanently shaped their lives.

Recently, Amy Redford made headlines when she reflected on her father’s parenting, saying the best thing he did was raise the family between New York City and Sundance, Utah, blending urban creativity with respect for nature and stewardship—values Lola deeply believed in.

Personal Life / Relationships

Lola and Robert Redford divorced in 1985 after 27 years of marriage. Their split was respectful and private. Redford later said:

“We still have great love, great affection, great friendship.”

In 2002, Lola remarried George Burrill, a diplomat and international development expert.

Robert later married Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born artist, in 2009.

Net Worth

Lola Van Wagenen’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. Her wealth is best measured through intellectual impact rather than monetary figures, given her nonprofit and educational focus.

Interesting Facts

1. Lola earned a Ph.D. while raising four children.

2. She influenced Redford’s lifelong environmental activism.

3. Her Utah roots inspired Sundance’s location.

4. She remained deeply private despite being married to a superstar.

5. She built nonprofit institutions that still educate today.

 

Recent News or Updates

The current trend centers on Amy Redford’s interview with TODAY, where she shared that her father’s greatest gift was raising the family between nature and culture, fostering environmental responsibility and independent thinking.

Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home in Sundance, Utah, at age 89. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed and has been respectfully treated as private.

Conclusion

Lola Van Wagenen is more than Robert Redford’s first wife. She is a historian, activist, mother, and educator whose influence shaped not only her children but also one of Hollywood’s most principled figures.

Through love, tragedy, scholarship, and quiet resilience, Lola helped build a legacy that continues through her daughters Shauna and Amy, and through the memory of her son James Redford, whose own activism echoed her life’s work.

Her story reminds us that behind every legend is often a partner whose strength made everything possible.

FAQ

Who is Lola Van Wagenen?
She is a historian, activist, and documentary producer, and the first wife of Robert Redford.

How long were Lola Van Wagenen and Robert Redford married?
They were married for 27 years, from 1958 to 1985.

How many children did Lola Van Wagenen have with Robert Redford?
They had four children: Scott (died in infancy), Shauna, James (died 2020), and Amy.

Why did Lola and Robert Redford divorce?
They separated amicably, citing personal growth and life changes without public conflict.

What is Lola Van Wagenen doing now?
She continues her work in historical education and activism through her nonprofit foundations.