Early Life and Education of Robert Redford: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 1, 2025

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

Robert Redford was a highly acclaimed American actor, director, and producer prominent during the American New Wave. His illustrious career, extending over six decades, garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and multiple Golden Globe Awards. He received several honors, such as the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, an Honorary Academy Award, Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an Honorary César Award.

Sections (4)

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

1974: Redford Rejects Sex Symbol Label

In a 1974 interview with The New York Times, Robert Redford responded to his image as a sex symbol by saying "I never thought of myself as a glamorous guy, a handsome guy, any of that stuff. Suddenly, there's this image...Glamour image can be a real handicap. It is crap."

1982: Report of Separation

In 1982, entertainment columnist Shirley Eder reported that Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen had been "very much apart for a number of years,".

1984: Divorce Settlement Negotiations

In 1984, Robert Redford was negotiating his divorce settlement with Lola Van Wagenen while filming 'Out of Africa'.

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1990: Supported 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 is unclear whether the divorce has been finalized" between Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen.

1996: Szaggars Moves In

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

2004: Supported Gary Herbert

In 2004, Robert Redford supported Gary Herbert, in Herbert's successful campaign to be elected lieutenant governor of Utah.

July 11, 2009: Redford Marries 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: Biography Published

In May 2011, 'Robert Redford: The Biography' by Michael Feeney Callan was published by Alfred A. Knopf, with Robert Redford's cooperation.

Robert Redford: The Biography

Check it on Amazon

November 2012: Robert Redford Conservancy Launched

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

2012: Endorsed Barack Obama

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

2013: Identified as Anti-Pipeline Leader

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 and Pitzer College President Laura Skandera Trombley announced that the college would divest fossil fuel stocks from its endowment.

2015: Quote on Trump's Book

In 2015, Robert Redford's quote appeared on the back cover of Donald Trump's book 'Crippled America', but a representative later clarified it wasn't an endorsement.

Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America

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2019: Op-Ed on Trump

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

July 2020: Op-Ed Supporting Biden

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

2024: House in Tiburon Sold

In 2024, Robert Redford sold his house in Tiburon, California. He primarily resided at the Sundance Resort in Utah but also had a property in Santa Fe, New Mexico.