![Robert Redford | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/031c1c3eb7de3e557193b501f7bf6debafed7e3f5fafeb85c0c41d407c43d1ef.jpg)
'That's a Whole New Life' - Robert Redford Found Love with a Wife Much Younger than Him
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- Robert Redford is an iconic actor who became famous for classics such as "The Way We Were" and "All the President's Men."
- The Hollywood legend was previously married to his first wife for nearly 30 years. During this time, the couple endured multiple harrowing tragedies.
- After parting ways, the star found love again with someone around the same age as one of his children.
Robert Redford met his first wife when they were still teenagers. Together for 27 years, the couple faced immense hardships, including two tragic losses.
![Robert Redford speaking at the 18th Marrakech International Film Festival on December 6, 2019, in Marrakech, Morocco. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a6bf3598ff803c9d3ebb020efc458a73bdedb128be232fc65bb63e95d43864fa.jpg)
Robert Redford speaking at the 18th Marrakech International Film Festival on December 6, 2019, in Marrakech, Morocco. | Source: Getty Images
The pair remained close despite their separation. However, the actor sparked mixed reactions from the public after it was revealed that he had found love again with someone 21 years his junior.
![Robert Redford at Sundance Institute's "An Artist at the Table Presented by IMDbPro" during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2020, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a121ca509f0e6c400d1394261f0c87abca6923bda436caefe84e599411ca87a8.jpg)
Robert Redford at Sundance Institute's "An Artist at the Table Presented by IMDbPro" during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2020, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
Robert Redford's Rise to Fame and Retirement Regret
Robert's path to stardom was anything but easy. He grew up as a scrappy kid known for stealing hubcaps in high school. The actor's rebellious streak also cost him his baseball scholarship at the University of Colorado.
"I became the campus drunk and blew out before I could ever get going," he recalled, reflecting on how he dropped out during his sophomore year. Despite his early troubles, Robert showed talent in caricature drawing.
![Robert Redford, circa 1950. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/dd595b87ffc9df9c177641a221840268e15a4659ac236e3f5df5d4439dddcb61.jpg)
Robert Redford, circa 1950. | Source: Getty Images
This led him to pursue art seriously and embark on a year-long adventure around Europe. He lived the life of a painter, hitchhiking and staying in youth hostels. However, Robert soon realized his artwork was not original or good enough.
Upon realizing that, he wanted to be better, which prompted him to return to New York with a new purpose. In New York, Robert studied theatrical design at the Pratt Institute of Art and enrolled in acting classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
![Robert Redford, circa 1950. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/4205d8b903c864f40adb09edf28029bf799badcad91bbbd3ee6fca0a03ec06c7.jpg)
Robert Redford, circa 1950. | Source: Getty Images
By the end of 1960, he made his Broadway debut, appearing in a series of plays, including the critically acclaimed "Barefoot in the Park." The actor also gained experience in television and stage and his all-American good looks quickly opened doors to film.
![Robert Redford, circa 1960. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/44c1ac0d833898be539c3e389c956382f5eb6d1e052aad3f9d3280d80dda5f81.jpg)
Robert Redford, circa 1960. | Source: Getty Images
Robert's career took off when he starred in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969. The film solidified his status as a Hollywood star and set the stage for a series of successful films in the early 1970s.
1973 was particularly significant for the actor, with major hits like "The Way We Were" and "The Sting." These films made him the number-one box office draw for the next three years. In 1980, Robert founded the Sundance Institute to nurture aspiring filmmakers.
![Robert Redford in New York City, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/79e4976f1a98ae063d8c69dfda08544ace6f3dc02ad060a1612c63f9c6de4404.jpg)
Robert Redford in New York City, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
The institute's yearly film festival is now a major industry event. That same year, Robert made his directorial debut in "Ordinary People." This earned him the Academy Award for Best Director a year later.
Despite this early success behind the camera, he waited eight years before directing another film. His second effort was the screen adaptation of John Nichols' novel "The Milagro Beanfield War."
![Robert Redford on the set of "The Milagro Beanfield War," circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/c150d0ec55dec7a70d93ceee1a178e536b9c703e3a239b9f10fd41d4bfcdf352.jpg)
Robert Redford on the set of "The Milagro Beanfield War," circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images
In August 2018, Robert announced his retirement after more than four decades of a successful acting career. The announcement came during the production of what he believed would be his final film, "The Old Man & the Gun."
However, later that year, he expressed regret over this decision. "I think it was a mistake to say that I was retiring because you never know," the actor stated. His statement gave hope to his long-time fans that he might continue to grace the silver screen.
Robert Redford's Relationship with His First Wife: Triumphs and Tragedies
After returning from Europe, the actor, producer, and director spent some time in Los Angeles. There, he met Lola Van Wagenen, a 17-year-old Utah bank teller who lived in the same apartment building. Their connection was immediate, and the couple married in L.A. in 1958.
They moved to New York City, where Robert's career flourished. Tragically, in 1959, he and his wife faced immense personal hardship. Their first child, a son, died at five months old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). "That was a tough hit," he said.
![Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen in New York City in 1978. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/12dc1262b9f60064bf9aa5d0e597cdb944d98e0b00489da3c530a08f0edd8568.jpg)
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen in New York City in 1978. | Source: Getty Images
Despite their grief, the actor and his wife had to move forward. "We had to deal with it. You have to move on. And we had other children who came. But something like that doesn't get completely dismissed," Robert reflected.
The couple went on to have three more children. Their eldest daughter, Shauna, 63, became an artist and married Eric Schlosser, an author, in 1985. The ceremony took place on the lawn of her parents' home in Provo, Utah.
![Robert Redford and his daughter Shauna in 1983. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a1dfda7b2763a8936530db074849c61b77d167356a4f257dfb81c9b4d6702748.jpg)
Robert Redford and his daughter Shauna in 1983. | Source: Getty Images
The couple then welcomed a third child, their second son, James. James followed in his father's footsteps and became a screenwriter and director after graduating from the University of Colorado.
However, his life was marred by severe health issues. He suffered from debilitating colitis, which led to cirrhosis, requiring a liver transplant in 1993. Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as planned.
![Robert and James Redford at the premiere of "The Kindness of Strangers" on September 13, 1999, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/2ee7ecb1a8fe855894ac19d20ca967b3d50ac134372907e19f79509288beb438.jpg)
Robert and James Redford at the premiere of "The Kindness of Strangers" on September 13, 1999, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While filming "Quiz Show" in New York City, Robert would fly every weekend to see James, who was waiting for another transplant. After a second operation and more complications, Robert revealed, "Now he's fine," in 1998.
Eight years after James was born, Robert and his first wife welcomed their second daughter, Amy. Amy also embraced the family's cinematic legacy, becoming a producer, director, and actress.
![Robert and Amy Redford at the premiere of "Cry Funny Happy" during the 2003 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2003, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/085fe139121d86d7e9550071f3f936d25d911db25465eb621e40ba8af81b8777.jpg)
Robert and Amy Redford at the premiere of "Cry Funny Happy" during the 2003 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2003, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
She even landed a small role in "Maid in Manhattan" alongside Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, and Natasha Richardson. Sadly, on October 17, 2020, the Redford family was struck with another tragedy.
James's wife, Kyle, announced on Twitter that he had died following a bile-duct cancer diagnosis. "Jamie died today. We're heartbroken. He lived a beautiful, impactful life & was loved by many. He will be deeply missed," the tweet read.
![Robert and James Redford at the screening of "SPIN" during the AFI Film Festival on November 8, 2003, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/f0778c02973d16e9fb7be1b384712fa6185cc051a17704abe456d58207e5a4fb.jpg)
Robert and James Redford at the screening of "SPIN" during the AFI Film Festival on November 8, 2003, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
"As his wife of 32 yrs, I'm most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together. I don't know what we would've done w/o them over the past 2yrs," the tweet continued.
Robert remained close to his family in the wake of this great loss. A representative for the actor stated, "The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child."
After decades of marriage, filled with unimaginable pain and shared triumphs, Robert and Lola decided to end their marriage. "I got lost for a time," Robert admitted while reflecting on their separation.
Screenwriter Jeremy Larner noted that Robert never anticipated the split. "He told me he was totally faithful to his wife….They were very tight; they went through a lot of stuff together," he said. Despite their divorce, as of 1998, Lola lived in Vermont, and the exes remained close.
![Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen at the 53rd Annual Academy Awards on March 31, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/f9b1a89832031d291eb9e924cb9c67e14ea53562d9560dc55d1ccb4c74da1532.jpg)
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen at the 53rd Annual Academy Awards on March 31, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Following his divorce, Robert started dating again and had a romance with actress Sonia Braga. He also had a lengthy relationship with costume designer Kathy O'Rear, which ended around 1995. Eventually, the actor found love again with a woman over two decades his junior.
![Robert Redford in California in 1995. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/5ec773daf9df7e3fec1d6f3a22b29b9fd5685b9dc4827eb21416b73b756b9eb0.jpg)
Robert Redford in California in 1995. | Source: Getty Images
A New Chapter with Sibylle Szaggars
In 1996, after creating the Sundance ski resort, Robert met his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, at the resort. "She's a very special person. She's younger than I am, and European, which I like, so that's a whole new life," Robert shared.
![Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the premiere of "The Legend of Bagger Vance" on October 29, 2000. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/6a18bfabc70ceb1456555aea07a4db364575ae620fdcdb9ca9383f5d5899224a.jpg)
Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the premiere of "The Legend of Bagger Vance" on October 29, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
Sibylle is a German-born artist and is 21 years younger than Robert. However, their relationship blossomed, leading to a 2009 wedding. The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at the luxurious Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, Germany.
![Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars spotted in New York City on March 15, 2009. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/e59c8e2a4d3ec70fd5b32de654be6d37894ae02fe523397432ff6cb11f418c70.jpg)
Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars spotted in New York City on March 15, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his fame, their wedding was private, with only 30 family members and close friends. According to reports, the bride wore a champagne-colored gown, while the groom donned a white suit.
![Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at Americans for the Arts' 2009 National Arts Awards on October 5, 2009. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/5d87fd17ffd7902970a959ee062b7a37cc2d0f993d77454d481a63f4bada3a25.jpg)
Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at Americans for the Arts' 2009 National Arts Awards on October 5, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
In November 2015, Sibylle's impressive career extended beyond the canvas when she founded "The Way of the Rain." The non-profit organization raises public awareness and support for environmental protection through educational and artistic events.
![Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars at the premiere of "All Is Lost" during the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2013, in France. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/ae90707f433cd10f136f8fcdc7b0c641acef1c6d385a78c3f0cc752a64972f2e.jpg)
Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars at the premiere of "All Is Lost" during the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2013, in France. | Source: Getty Images
In 2024, after 15 years of marriage, Sibylle, 67, decided to sell her home near Robert's, 87, Sundance Resort. Reflecting on this change, she shared, "This home is truly near and dear to my heart."
![Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the 42nd Chaplin Award Gala on April 27, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/85d7575d3d0218155c80c316549a96f46d1452bb669a667c467850948b6a0882.jpg)
Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the 42nd Chaplin Award Gala on April 27, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
"It has been part of my story and a source of inspiration for my journey [...]. I've relished in the sheer beauty of the setting, which is as serene and unspoiled as it is breathtaking," Sibylle continued.
![Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the Men's Final on day fourteen of the 2015 US Open on September 13, 2015, in New York. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/879bb4eab0629cf7e8fdac7a432e9180d3a16abede723b79c94f8db8c734f9c6.jpg)
Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the Men's Final on day fourteen of the 2015 US Open on September 13, 2015, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Public Reactions to Robert Redford's Much Younger Wife
The public has had mixed reactions to Robert marrying a woman 21 years younger than him. In 2012, the couple was spotted enjoying an outing in Berlin, Germany, and one person shared, "Not my cup of tea being married to a much older man. The thought horrifies me."
![Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the Gala for the Global Ocean on September 26, 2019, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/e08c85d2bfa20ad52fa12cd0ed40df85eb5de2784752fa87fcf3ae040539e7e4.jpg)
Sibylle Szaggars and Robert Redford at the Gala for the Global Ocean on September 26, 2019, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
"'They both look their age.' Many women married to much older men start looking older. Old husbands drag their younger wives down," another person typed. A third commented, "Another wrinkled old geezer with a much younger woman."
![Sibylle Szaggars and Robert during the 18th Marrakech International Film Festival on December 6, 2019, in Marrakech, Morocco. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/7f7fa2022ef23c0148fae2d342c1dd12f4c04a11d6165f1d61b60c21575719f5.jpg)
Sibylle Szaggars and Robert during the 18th Marrakech International Film Festival on December 6, 2019, in Marrakech, Morocco. | Source: Getty Images
That same year, Robert and Sibylle attended the Venice Film Festival, and another person praised the German artist for her appearance. "Mr. Redford's wife looks very nice," they wrote in part.
A social media user shared the same sentiment in 2017, tweeting in part, "I don't mention her a lot but please know Sibylle Szaggars-Redford is hot."
![Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars at The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation's 2021 award ceremony on October 29, 2021, in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/031f6b13cd1a8ead1be2ef3785cfdab162038762a4a11cca0cb37231b9e9ee79.jpg)
Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars at The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation's 2021 award ceremony on October 29, 2021, in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the mixed reception from the public and having a significant age gap with his second wife, Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars's relationship has flourished, showing that love can thrive at any stage of life.