Robert Redford is one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures, and his marital history often draws public curiosity. Many people wonder how long he stayed with a single partner and how his personal life shaped his career.
Unlike some stars with short, intense marriages, Redford built a long-term relationship that became a stable backdrop to decades of work in film and activism. The length of that commitment reflects both personal loyalty and the steady pace at which he approached major life decisions.
| Partner | Years Married | Key Milestone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lola Van Wagenen | 1958–1985 (27 years) | Wedding in 1958 | High school romance, built family life while Redford pursued acting |
| Sibylle Szaggars | 1985–present (nearly 40 years) | Wedding in 1985 | Continues to support his legacy work and environmental advocacy |
| Total time married | Approximately 64 years | Combined span as of 2025 | One of the longest Hollywood marriages on record |
Romance with Lola Van Wagenen
Redford’s first marriage began when he was a young actor still defining his image. He met Lola Van Wagenen in the early 1950s, and their high school connection quickly turned into a serious partnership.
They married in 1958, just as Redford was starting to land television roles that would later open doors to major films. For 27 years, Van Wagenen managed household stability while Redford navigated the demands of Hollywood.
Life and Career During the First Marriage
Professional Growth
During his marriage to Van Wagenen, Redford starred in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, building a reputation as a charismatic leading man with a preference for unconventional scripts.
Family and Personal Choices
The couple raised a family and stayed mostly out of tabloids, which was unusual for a rising star. This quiet period allowed Redford to experiment creatively without the pressure of constant public scrutiny.
Marriage to Sibylle Szaggars
In 1985, Redford married German model and actress Sibylle Szaggars, marking the beginning of his second and current marriage. This union brought fresh energy into his later career and coincided with his move toward more serious directorial projects.
Szaggars has remained a steady presence, often seen at premieres and events supporting environmental and cultural causes close to Redford’s heart. Their partnership demonstrates longevity grounded in shared values rather than celebrity spectacle.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details | Source Type | Public Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| First spouse | Lola Van Wagenen | Biographies, interviews | High-profile in early career coverage |
| Second spouse | Sibylle Szaggars | Media reports, wedding records | Ongoing, respected privacy |
| Total years married | Over 64 years combined | Public records, timelines | Recognized as exceptionally long |
| Children from first marriage | 3 | Family profiles | Kept largely out of spotlight |
| Philanthropic alignment | Shared focus on environment | Interviews, foundation work | Central to public narrative |
Lasting Influence of Redford’s Partnerships
The stability provided by these relationships allowed Redford to pursue ambitious projects, from directing political dramas to founding a major film festival. Each marriage complemented a different phase of his professional evolution.
- Married for 27 years to Lola Van Wagenen during his rise to fame
- Transitioned to a decades-long partnership with Sibylle Szaggars in 1985
- Combined marital timeline exceeds 60 years, rare in entertainment
- Used stable personal foundation to build Sundance and environmental initiatives
- Continues to balance public legacy with private family life
FAQ
Reader questions
How many times was Robert Redford married?
Robert Redford has been married twice: first to Lola Van Wagenen for 27 years, and then to Sibylle Szaggars, who has been his wife for nearly 40 years.
Who was Robert Redford married to first?
His first spouse was Lola Van Wagenen, whom he married in 1958 during the early years of his acting career.
Who has Robert Redford been married to since 1985?
Since 1985, he has been married to Sibylle Szaggars, a German model and actress who frequently appears beside him at cultural and environmental events. Combined, his marriages span more than 64 years, making his commitment one of the longest among Hollywood A-listers.