Who Is Robert Redford’s First Wife Lola Van Wagenen? Here Is What To Know
- Lola Van Wagenen was Robert Redford’s first wife for nearly 27 years and mother to their four children.
- The couple faced the tragic loss of their infant son to SIDS early in their marriage.
- Lola built a successful career as a historian, activist, and nonprofit founder after their divorce.
- She co-founded Consumer Action Now and later Clio Visualizing History, Inc., contributing significantly to public education and activism.
Robert Redford’s first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, is a remarkable woman known not just for her relationship with the famed actor and director but also for her impactful career as a historian and activist.
Married to Redford for over two decades, her life story intertwines deeply with Redford’s early years, yet she stands distinct through her extensive work in consumer activism, history, and education.
Lola Van Wagenen married Robert Redford in 1958 when Redford was a rising star in Hollywood. Their early years were marked by hardship, including the tragic loss of their infant son to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 1959, a wound Redford later described as deeply scarring.
Despite their personal difficulties, the couple had three more children together, two daughters and a son. Their marriage lasted nearly 27 years until their amicable divorce in the mid-1980s.
Lola Van Wagenen’s Life Beyond Marriage to Robert RedfordAfter her divorce from Redford, Lola pursued higher education aggressively, achieving a Bachelor’s from Vermont College, a Master’s degree in Public History and Liberal Studies from New York University, and later a Ph.D. in American History in 1994.
She co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc., a nonprofit that enhances historical understanding among students. Earlier, in 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now, a nonprofit focused on consumer and environmental activism.
Career Highlights and Activism of Lola Van WagenenLola’s activism is as noteworthy as her personal history. She championed consumer education and environmental awareness through Consumer Action Now for a decade. Her efforts helped raise awareness on energy conservation with educational projects and TV appearances.
She also promoted legislation such as the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Van Wagenen produced influential documentaries like Miss America and The State of Marriage, highlighting her commitment to societal issues.
Family and Legacy of Lola Van Wagenen and Robert RedfordTogether, Lola and Robert Redford had four children, though they endured the loss of two sons during their lifetimes. Despite their divorce, both maintained mutual respect and continued thriving in their separate lives.
Lola remarried George Burrill in 2002, carrying on a meaningful personal and professional life independent of her former husband. Redford, meanwhile, married his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, in 2009.
In light of Robert Redford’s passing in September 2025 at age 89, public and media attention revisited Lola Van Wagenen’s significant role in Redford’s life and beyond. While she largely keeps a low public profile, recent reports highlight her tribute and lasting influence as Redford’s first wife and the profound mark she made in history and activism circles.
As Redford’s legacy is celebrated globally, Lola’s story is appreciated for her strength, intellect, and enduring career achievements.
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Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
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