Early Life and Education of Robert Redford: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Robert Redford. From birth to education, explore key events.

Robert Redford is a highly acclaimed American actor and filmmaker recognized with prestigious awards including an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globes. His significant contributions have earned him accolades such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, an Honorary Academy Award, Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an Honorary César. Time magazine acknowledged his influence by naming him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2014.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 9, 1958: Marriage to Lola Van Wagenen

On August 9, 1958, Robert Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in Las Vegas.

September 1, 1959: Birth of Scott Anthony Redford

On September 1, 1959, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen's first child, Scott Anthony Redford, was born.

November 17, 1959: Death of Scott Anthony Redford

On November 17, 1959, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen's son, Scott Anthony Redford, passed away.

November 15, 1960: Birth of Shauna Jean Redford

On November 15, 1960, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen's daughter, Shauna Jean Redford, was born.

May 5, 1962: Birth of David James Redford

On May 5, 1962, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen's son, David James Redford, was born.

1963: Builds home in Utah

In 1963, Redford and his ex-wife Lola, who was from Utah, built a home in the Utah area.

October 22, 1970: Birth of Amy Hart Redford

On October 22, 1970, Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen's daughter, Amy Hart Redford, was born.

1982: Reported Separation from Lola Van Wagenen

In 1982, entertainment columnist Shirley Eder reported that Robert Redford and his wife, Lola Van Wagenen, had been separated for several years.

1988: Receives honorary degree from the University of Colorado

In 1988, Redford received an honorary degree from the University of Colorado.

1990: Support for Brent Cornell Morris

In 1990, Robert Redford supported Republican Brent Cornell Morris in his unsuccessful campaign for the Republican nomination for Utah's 3rd congressional district.

1991: Unclear Divorce Status

In 1991, Parade magazine reported that it was unclear whether Robert Redford's divorce from Lola Van Wagenen had been finalized.

1995: Receives honorary degree from Bard College

In 1995, Redford received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Bard College.

1996: Szaggars Moves In

In 1996, Sibylle Szaggars moved in with Robert Redford and shared his home in Sundance, Utah.

2004: Support for Gary Herbert

In 2004, Robert Redford supported Gary Herbert, a Republican, in Herbert's successful campaign to be elected Utah's Lieutenant Governor. Herbert later became Governor of Utah.

May 25, 2008: Receives honorary degree from Brown University

On May 25, 2008, Redford received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Brown University and spoke at the commencement ceremonies.

July 11, 2009: Marriage to Sibylle Szaggars

On July 11, 2009, Robert Redford married his longtime girlfriend, Sibylle Szaggars, at the Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, Germany.

May 2011: Publication of Robert Redford: The Biography

In May 2011, Robert Redford: The Biography by Michael Feeney Callan was published by Alfred A. Knopf. It was written over fifteen years with Redford's input and drawn from his personal papers and diaries.

Robert Redford: The Biography

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November 2012: Launch of Robert Redford Conservancy

In November 2012, Pitzer College launched the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability at Pitzer College.

2012: Endorsement of Barack Obama

In 2012, Robert Redford endorsed Democratic President Barack Obama for re-election.

2013: Identified as Leading Anti-Pipeline Protest

In 2013, Robert Redford was identified by TransCanada Corporation's CEO, Russ Girling, for leading the anti-Keystone Pipeline protest movement.

April 2014: Pitzer College Divests Fossil Fuel Stocks

In April 2014, Robert Redford, a Pitzer College Trustee, and Pitzer College President Laura Skandera Trombley announced that Pitzer College would divest fossil fuel stocks from its endowment. At the time, it was the higher education institution with the largest endowment in the US to make this commitment. The press conference was held at the LA Press Club.

May 24, 2015: Receives honorary degree from Colby College

On May 24, 2015, Redford delivered the commencement address and received an honorary degree from Colby College in Maine.

2015: Quote in Donald Trump's Book

In 2015, Robert Redford's quote appeared on the back cover of Donald Trump's book Crippled America. Redford's statement, taken from a longer conversation with Larry King, was later clarified as not an endorsement of Trump for president.

Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America

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May 2017: Zoom restaurant closes

In May 2017, Robert Redford's Park City restaurant, Zoom, closed.

August 2018: Announces Retirement from Acting

In August 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting after completing The Old Man & the Gun, though he later expressed regret.

2019: Op-Ed Criticizing Trump

In 2019, Robert Redford wrote an op-ed in which he referred to Donald Trump's administration as a "monarchy in disguise" and stated "[i]t's time for Trump to go".

July 2020: Op-Ed Supporting Joe Biden

In July 2020, Robert Redford wrote an op-ed in which he stated President Donald Trump lacks a "moral compass" and announced that he would be voting for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.