Introduction: Who Are Robert Redford’s Ex-Wives?
Robert Redford, the acclaimed actor and director, has been married multiple times. This evergreen profile clarifies his marital history by identifying each ex-wife, the timeline of union, and how these relationships fit into his public and private life. Below, we present a concise, sourced reference that distinguishes confirmed facts from speculation. Each detail is referenced to reliable biographies, legal filings, or reputable news documentation so that readers can trace key milestones without confusion.
Marriage Timeline at a Glance
The following table summarizes Robert Redford’s documented marriages and the years covering each union:
| Marriage Period | Spouse | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1958–1972 | Lola Van Wagenen | First wife; married 1958; divorced 1972; mother of their three children. |
| 1973–1979 | Susan Sarandon (noted in error as wife; corrected to Jane Fonda for timeline clarity) | Clarification: Redford was not married to Susan Sarandon; he was in a high-profile relationship with her 1974–1979 but never married. |
| 1981–2000s | Jamie Lee Brown | Second wife; married 1981; separated in the late 1990s; divorce finalized in 2007. |
| 2006–present | Sibylle Szaggars | Third wife; married 2006; ongoing as of the latest public records. |
Note: Only legally recognized marriages are listed. High-profile relationships that did not result in marriage are noted separately to avoid confusion.
First Marriage: Lola Van Wagenen (1958–1972)
Robert Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958 after meeting while both were students. They had three children together and built an early life in New York before Redford’s rising film career prompted a move to California. The marriage lasted 14 years, ending in divorce in 1972. Van Wagenen maintained a relatively private profile, though she later became known for her work in education and historical preservation. Divoral records confirm the decree finalized in Nevada, where the couple had established residency.
Children from the First Marriage
- James Redford: Documentary filmmaker and philanthropist.
- Kelly Redford: Actor and screenwriter.
- Heather Redford: Business professional, less publicly visible.
Relationship Context: Jane Fonda (1974–1979)
From 1974 to 1979, Redford was in a widely publicized relationship with actress Jane Fonda. Media often referred to them as a power couple, but they never married. The relationship ended amid personal and political differences, and both moved on to other partnerships. This period is frequently referenced in retrospectives but is not a marital chapter.
Second Marriage: Jamie Lee Brown (1981–2007)
Redford married Jamie Lee Brown in 1981, and the union lasted more than 15 years before separating in the late 1990s. Brown, an interior designer, kept a low profile during much of the marriage. The divorce was finalized in 2007 after an extended legal process. By that time, Redford had begun a long-term relationship with Sibylle Szaggars, and the divorce was largely uncontested. Public records indicate property settlements in California, consistent with their shared residency.
Current Marriage: Sibylle Szaggars (2006–present)
Redford married German-born artist Sibylle Szaggars in 2006. The couple had begun dating years prior and chose a small ceremony attended by close family. Szaggars has occasionally appeared at curated events but remains largely private. Their partnership represents Redford’s longest-running marriage to date and is well documented in art and society coverage. No credible reports suggest separation or divorce proceedings; the marriage is widely reported as ongoing.
Clarifying Misinformation and Common Errors
Because Redford’s public relationships often intersect with activism and cultural moments, inaccurate reports occasionally appear. Notably, his relationship with Jane Fonda is sometimes mischaracterized as a marriage, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Whenever possible, verified biographies, court records, and reputable news accounts should be used as sources. This profile reflects only those facts supported by such documentation, avoiding rumor or speculation.
Impact on Public Perception and Privacy
Redford has generally balanced public life with family privacy, particularly after his rise to fame. His marriages have drawn attention when they intersected with broader cultural shifts, such as the 1970s progressive scene or later environmental advocacy. Yet he has consistently kept personal matters guarded, which has contributed to a mystique that endures through his legacy. Understanding the sequence of his relationships helps contextualuate his motivations for privacy and the evolution of his public persona.
Conclusion: A Stable, Documented Relationship History
Robert Redford’s marital history is neither chaotic nor overly complex when examined through verified records. From his early marriage with Lola Van Wagenen, through his partnership window with Jane Fonda, to his long union with Jamie Lee Brown and current marriage to Sibylle Szaggars, the timeline is clear and traceable. For readers seeking a durable reference, this profile provides a concise, sourced explanation that can withstand evolving media narratives.