Robert Redford, proud father of four, faced heartbreaking tragedy after losing two sons. His emotional words on fatherhood and grief remain unforgettable.
Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most admired actors, directors, and the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, lived a life filled with success and acclaim. Yet behind the fame and awards, his greatest pride was being a father — and his deepest sorrow came from the loss of two of his children.
Redford passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind not only a legendary career but also a family story marked by both love and devastating tragedy.
A Father of Four
Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, welcomed four children together: Scott, Shauna, James (Jamie), and Amy. While each went on to forge their own paths, the family endured unimaginable heartbreak.
Their first child, Scott, was born in 1959 but died only seven weeks later from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Redford, just 21 years old at the time, admitted he was overwhelmed by grief.
“It was traumatic… you’re not equipped to deal with it,” he once said, reflecting on the tragedy.
Shauna and Amy Redford
Their daughter Shauna, born in 1960, grew up to become a talented painter. Married to journalist Eric Schlosser since 1985, she is the mother of two children. Shauna has also been involved in supporting her father’s Sundance Institute, helping carry on his vision.
Youngest daughter Amy followed in her father’s footsteps, working as an actress, producer, and director. She has spoken often about how watching her father work inspired her passion for storytelling. Today, she continues her creative career while raising her daughter, Eden.
James “Jamie” Redford
Perhaps the most heartbreaking chapter in Redford’s life was losing his second son, James (Jamie), in 2020. A talented filmmaker, Jamie created documentaries such as The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia, using art to highlight social and educational issues.
Despite lifelong health struggles — including two liver transplants — Jamie built a family with his wife Kyle and their children, Dylan and Lena. His death from liver cancer at just 58 devastated the Redford family.
“The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child,” the family said at the time.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Though marked by loss, Robert Redford’s family remained his anchor. He often spoke proudly of how his children and grandchildren were stepping into leadership roles within the Sundance Institute, ensuring his vision would live on for generations.
In later years, Redford found lasting love with Sibylle Szaggars, whom he married in 2009. Together, they built a home in Sundance, Utah — the place where he passed away peacefully in 2025.
Robert Redford’s legacy is more than just film. It is also the story of a father who carried both deep love and profound sorrow. His words on grief — and his devotion to his family — will continue to inspire long after his passing.
Rest in peace, Robert Redford.
