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. Throughout his career, he has earned prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. Redford's contributions have been further recognized with accolades such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, an Academy Honorary Award, Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an Honorary César. His influence extends beyond acting, as recognized by Time magazine, which named 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, Scott Anthony Redford, son of Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen, was born.

November 17, 1959: Death of Scott Anthony Redford

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

November 15, 1960: Birth of Shauna Jean Redford

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

May 5, 1962: Birth of David James Redford

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

1963: Building a home in Utah

In 1963, Robert 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, Amy Hart Redford, daughter of Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen, was born.

1972: Shooting of Jeremiah Johnson

In 1972, portions of the movie "Jeremiah Johnson", one of Redford's favorites and a film that heavily influenced him, were shot near the ski area he later bought.

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1982: Reported Separation from Lola Van Wagenen

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

1985: Reported Divorce from Lola Van Wagenen

In 1985, many websites reported that Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen were divorced.

1988: Honorary Degree from University of Colorado

In 1988, Robert Redford received an honorary degree from the University of Colorado, where he had attended in the 1950s.

1990: Support for Brent Cornell Morris

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

1991: Divorce Status Unclear

In 1991, Parade magazine reported that it was unclear whether the divorce between Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen had been finalized.

1995: Honorary Degree from Bard College

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

1996: Sibylle Szaggars Moves in with Redford

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

2004: Support for Gary Herbert's Campaign

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

May 25, 2008: Honorary Degree from Brown University

On May 25, 2008, Redford received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Brown University and delivered a speech 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, drawn from Redford's papers and diaries.

Robert Redford: The Biography

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November 2012: Launch of Robert Redford Conservancy at Pitzer College

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, an avid environmentalist, endorsed Democratic President Barack Obama for re-election.

2013: Identified as Leader of Anti-Pipeline Movement

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

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 the college will divest fossil fuel stocks from its endowment.

May 24, 2015: 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 on Donald Trump's Book

In 2015, Robert Redford's quote appeared on the back cover of Donald Trump's book "Crippled America", but it was later clarified that this was not an endorsement.

Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America

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May 2017: Zoom Restaurant Closure

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

August 2018: Retirement Announcement

In August 2018, Redford announced his retirement from acting after completing "The Old Man & the Gun".

2019: Criticism of Trump's Administration

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

July 2020: Criticism of President Trump and Support for Joe Biden

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