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 an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer known for his leading roles during the American New Wave era. His career, which spans over six decades, has garnered him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Redford has also received prestigious honors such as the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, an Academy Honorary Award, Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an Honorary César, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.

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.

1963: Building a home in Utah

In 1963, Robert Redford and his ex-wife Lola built a home in Utah.

1972: Jeremiah Johnson filmed near ski area

In 1972, portions of the movie Jeremiah Johnson were filmed near Robert Redford's ski area.

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1988: Honorary Degree from the University of Colorado

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

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.

1995: Honorary Doctorate from Bard College

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

1996: 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 lieutenant governor of Utah.

2008: Honorary Doctorate from Brown University

In 2008, Robert Redford received an honorary doctorate from Brown University.

2008: Sundance Exhibition

In 2008, Sundance exhibited 125 feature-length films from 34 countries, with more than 50,000 attendees in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.

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 Redford Biography

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

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 Anti-Pipeline Protest Leader

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

April 2014: Announcement of Fossil Fuel Divestment

In April 2014, Robert Redford and Pitzer College President Laura Skandera Trombley announced that the college would divest fossil fuel stocks from its endowment.

May 2015: Honorary Degree from Colby College

In May 2015, Robert 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", with Redford's statement taken from a longer conversation with Larry King, about Trump's candidacy.

Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America

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May 2017: Closure of Zoom Restaurant

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

August 2018: Announcement of Retirement from Acting

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

2019: Criticism of Trump 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: Op-ed Supporting Joe Biden

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

2020: Death of son James

In 2020, Robert Redford's son James, a writer and producer, died of cancer.

2024: Sale of Tiburon House

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