The world said goodbye to a true Hollywood legend on September 16, 2025, when Robert Redford passed away peacefully in his sleep at his beloved Sundance home in Utah. He was 89 years old. While his incredible career as an actor, director, and environmental activist left a permanent mark on the world, those who knew him best—his family—remember him simply as a devoted father and grandfather. In his own words, his kids were his “greatest achievement,” and despite unimaginable tragedies, his loved ones remained the center of his universe.
Redford’s family life was shaped by both joy and profound heartbreak. He shared four children with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, to whom he was married from 1958 until their divorce in 1985. Later, in 2009, he found love again with German artist and environmentalist Sibylle Szaggars. Though they had no kids together, Sibylle became a loving stepmother and was by his side until the very end. Through it all, Redford’s seven grandchildren brought him immense joy, and many have followed in his creative footsteps.
The Lives and Legacies of Redford’s Four Children
Tragedy struck early in Robert Redford’s journey as a parent. His first child, Scott Anthony Redford, was born on September 1, 1959, but his life was cut tragically short just two-and-a-half months later when he died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Redford rarely spoke publicly about this devastating loss, but in a 2017 interview, he reflected, “I was only 21; my wife was 20. We were just starting our lives… Of course, it was traumatic… But something like that doesn’t get completely dismissed. It probably shows up in various small ways you’re not even aware of.”
His eldest surviving child, Shauna Redford, was born on November 15, 1960. Unlike her father and siblings, Shauna chose a path away from the spotlight, becoming a professional painter. She married journalist and author Eric Schlosser in 1985, and the couple has two kids: Mica and Conor Schlosser. Despite leading a private life, Shauna faced her own hardships, including the unsolved murder of her boyfriend in 1983 and a serious car accident the following year.
Redford’s second son, David James “Jamie” Redford, born on May 5, 1962, did follow in his father’s footsteps as a filmmaker and environmental activist. Jamie battled serious health issues for much of his life. He was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare autoimmune disease, and underwent two liver transplants in 1993. He founded the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness to advocate for organ donation. Tragically, after cancer was discovered in his bile duct in 2019, Jamie passed away on October 16, 2020, at the age of 58. He left behind his wife, Kyle, and their two children, Dylan and Lena.
The youngest of the Redford children, Amy Hart Redford, was born on October 22, 1970. She carved her own successful career in the film industry as both an actress and director, with credits including The Guitar and music videos. Amy has spoken fondly of growing up with a famous dad, noting, “I am able to talk to my dad in a way a lot of people can’t. He still drives me nuts, he’s still my dad, but I have to say… he had his eye on the ball in terms of having kids.” Amy is a mother to three daughters: Eden and twins born in 2010.
A Grandfather’s Lasting Impact
In the days following Robert Redford’s passing, it was his grandkids who shared some of the most touching tributes, giving the world a glimpse into the personal side of the iconic star. His grandson, Conor Schlosser (son of Shauna), posted never-before-seen photos on Instagram, writing, “He was larger than life to the world, but to his family, he was simply that…family.” Conor, now 33, works as a producer and formerly worked at the Sundance Institute.
Lena Redford (daughter of Jamie), 29, also shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, which included a sweet throwback photo of her grandfather hugging her and a picture of them on horseback. Her brother, Dylan Redford, 34, shared on his Instagram Stories that Robert was the “best grampa [sic] a grandson could ask for,” adding, “He also made amazing things, helped others make amazing things, and tried to make the world a better place.” Dylan is now a producer and actor who sits on the board of the Redford Center, the family’s environmental nonprofit.
The other grandchildren include Mica Schlosser (daughter of Shauna), who is a copywriter and illustrator, and Amy’s three daughters. Though they largely stay out of the public eye, it is clear that Robert’s legacy of creativity and environmental stewardship is being carried forward by this new generation.
Despite the glare of Hollywood fame, Robert Redford’s most enduring role was that of a family man. His life was marked by profound loss, but also by immense love and a deep commitment to his children and grandkids. They, in turn, are now the keepers of his incredible legacy, both on and off the screen.
