Long before the world knew him as an icon, before the golden-haired movie star of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or The Sting, Robert Redford was just a 21-year-old struggling actor. The most important person in his life then was a bright, spirited college student named Lola Van Wagenen. Theirs is one of the most powerful, yet quiet, stories in Hollywood: the story of Robert Redford’s formative love, a relationship that built the man long before he became a legend.
A Bond Forged Before Fame
They married in 1958, far from the glitter of Hollywood. He was an unknown, often broke, and still finding his path. She was intelligent, compassionate, and passionate about history and activism. Lola provided the anchor he needed. Their early life together was modest, built on a shared belief in each other, not on fame.
Their bond was soon tested by the kind of tragedy that can either break a couple or forge an unbreakable bond. Their first son, Scott, passed away in infancy from sudden infant death syndrome. It was a heartbreaking loss that Redford rarely spoke of but which profoundly shaped his perspective on what truly matters in life. Together, they weathered that storm and had three more children: Shauna, Jamie, and Amy.
Two Paths, One Shared Value
As Redford’s star rose to dizzying heights in the 1970s, making him one of the most celebrated men in the world, Lola carved out a powerful legacy of her own. She wasn’t just a “Hollywood wife.” She earned her degrees, became a historian, and co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a trailblazing organization for environmental activism. While he became the face of American cinema, she became a voice for social change and sustainability.
They shared a deep moral compass. Redford, famously uncomfortable with the showy side of fame, used his wealth to buy thousands of acres of land in Utah, not just for his family, but to preserve it. His passion for protecting wild lands and the animals that live on them was a value that mirrored Lola’s own tireless environmental advocacy.
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A Quiet, Respectful End
Fame on that scale puts an immense strain on any relationship. After nearly 30 years of marriage, as their children grew and their individual paths diverged, Robert and Lola parted ways in 1985. But in an industry known for messy, public scandals, their separation was marked by a profound, quiet respect. There were no bitter headlines, no public feuds.
“We were very young,” Redford later reflected. “And sometimes, growing up means growing apart.” Their love story didn’t end in failure; it concluded a vital chapter.
A Lasting Legacy
After their divorce, both continued to build on the foundations they had created. Robert Redford poured his energy into directing and building the Sundance Institute, creating a haven for independent filmmakers and authentic stories. Lola earned her Ph.D. in history and continued her important work in activism and education.
Their relationship is a testament to the fact that some love isn’t about a “forever” ending, but about its formative power. Robert Redford’s formative love with Lola Van Wagenen shaped his values, grounded him during his rise, and helped create the thoughtful, principled man the world came to admire. Their shared life is a quiet, powerful story of growth, respect, and a love that, even after it changed, left an indelible mark on the world.
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