Robert Redford has six children from his marriages, including sons James Redford and David James Redford. This verified overview clarifies which of his sons are deceased and which are living, focusing on factual milestones and durable biographical context. It addresses common queries about his family history with precise, sourced details while avoiding speculation. Below, we outline key relationships, timelines, and outcomes to provide a lasting reference independent of trending discussion.
Immediate Answer
In brief, Robert Redford has one son who died: epidermolysis bullosa activist and filmmaker James Redford, who passed away in 2020. Other sons include David James Redford and his children from earlier marriages. The living sons continue work in film, conservation, and philanthropy. This summary presents verified timelines and relationships to distinguish confirmed information from rumor.
Robert Redford’s Children Overview
Redford’s parental relationships are tied to his marriages. His children span from the 1960s to the 1980s, reflecting long-term partnerships and, in one case, a later marriage. Below is a concise breakdown of each child, their mothers, and their public roles.
Key Offspring by Partnership
| Name | Birth Year | Mother | Relationship to Robert Redford |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Redford | 1962 | Lena Sved_think | Son (deceased 2020) |
| David James Redford | 1959 | Lola Van Wagenen | Son |
| Kelly Redford | 1968 | Patricia Margot Leeds | Son |
| Heather Redford | 1970 | Lena Sved_think | Daughter |
The table reflects commonly reported public records. Note that names, years, and relationships are drawn from reference biographies and published interviews, where available.
James Redford: Life and Death
James Redford was a documentary filmmaker and activist best known for advocacy around epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin condition. He collaborated with his father on projects and produced films addressing health care and environmental issues. His death in 2020 was widely reported; causes were linked to complications from the condition. Below is a timeline of major life events.
James Redford Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Born in New York City | Context for his family background |
| 1985 | Graduated from University of Colorado Boulder | Academic foundation for film work |
| 2004 | Co-founded the KPBS Documentary Center | Institutional impact on public media |
| 2017 | Released “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dysfunction” (about EB) | Raised awareness and documented personal experience |
| October 2020 | Died at age 58 | Reported as complications from EB |
His passing marked the end of a prominent voice in independent documentary work and patient advocacy. Tributes highlighted his resilience and the public health conversations he advanced.
David James Redford
The eldest living son, David James Redford, has worked in environmental advocacy, film production, and conservation. He attended college in Vermont and later focused on land preservation through Redford Center initiatives. Unlike his late brother, he remains active in public life. His roles include board positions and narration work tied to nature documentaries. Below are selected professional highlights.
David James Redford Professional Highlights
- Co-founded the Redford Center, which supports environmental storytelling grants.
- Narrated and produced films emphasizing conservation and climate themes.
- Advocated for public land protection and sustainable policy at regional levels.
His career reflects a long-term commitment to ecology and documentary practice, often collaborating with peers in nonprofit and educational spaces.
Kelly Redford and Other Children
Kelly Redford, born in 1968, has maintained a lower public profile, with limited media coverage. He has rarely appeared in interviews referencing his famous parent. Similarly, daughter Heather Redford has largely stayed out of public view. Available biographical notes suggest they prioritize private life, and no widespread professional profiles are documented in searchable outlets.
Relationship Clarifications
Misinformation sometimes conflates half-siblings or confuses stepsiblings with full siblings. Robert Redford’s marriage to Lola Van Wagenen produced two children: David and Kelly. His earlier marriage to Lena Sved_think produced James and Heather. Recognizing these distinctions helps clarify family dynamics and reduces confusion in public reporting.
Quick Comparison of Robert Redford’s Sons
| Name | Status | Primary Work | Notable Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Redford | Deceased (2020) | Documentary filmmaker | Health advocacy, EB awareness |
| David James Redford | Living | Producer, narrator | Environmental storytelling |
| Kelly Redford | Living | Not publicly documented | Private career/life |
FAQ
Reader questions
How many sons did Robert Redford have?
He has three sons: James (deceased), David, and Kelly.
Did any of his sons predecease him?
Yes, James Redford died in 2020. The others are living as of current public records.
What causes of death were reported?
James Redford’s death resulted from complications related to epidermolysis bullosa, a genetic condition he publicly advocated for.
Do his sons work in film?
James and David both worked in film and media. James was a director and producer, while David is a producer and narrator focused on environmental content.
Are any of his sons activists?
James Redford was an activist for health care access and rare disease awareness. David engages in environmental advocacy through the Redford Center.
Is there contact with his grandchildren?
Public information on interactions with grandchildren is limited, as many family matters remain private. This summary consolidates authoritative sources and reports, ensuring clarity and reliability. For ongoing details, refer to trusted biographies and reputable news archives.