At the age of 86, Robert Redford, known for his iconic roles including the Sundance Kid, has not only had a remarkable six-decade career in the movie industry but has also left an indelible mark by founding the renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Redford’s journey from humble beginnings as the son of a milkman-turned-accountant in Santa Monica, California, to his pursuit of fame and stardom is a story filled with both triumphs and tragedies, including the heartbreaking loss of two of his children.
Born on August 18, 1936, Robert Redford’s life has been a tapestry of experiences few can match. Despite battling polio as a child, he overcame adversity and worked diligently to achieve his dreams. However, his path was not without its share of hardships.
During his earlier years, Redford struggled academically and eventually lost his scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder due to heavy drinking. While residing at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, he took on the role of a janitor at the town’s oldest restaurant, The Sink.
His connection to The Sink remained strong even years later. In 2018, at the Sundance Film Festival, he proudly wore a shirt bearing the restaurant’s famous logo.
Throughout his youth, Redford, whom he described as a “bad student,” felt the weight of criticism but found unwavering support from his mother. She remained a steadfast believer in him.
“The one person who stood behind me was my mother,” he revealed at the Sundance Film Festival Utah Women’s Leadership Celebration in 2018. “She believed that all things considered, she just had faith that I had something in me that was going to turn out OK,” he said, as cited by Womans World.
However, tragedy struck when his Texan-born mother, Martha Hart, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 40 due to a rare blood disease. This loss was particularly devastating because it was compounded by the fact that Martha had already suffered the heartbreaking loss of twin daughters in childbirth, ten years after Robert was born. Her determination to have a family ultimately led to her tragic demise.
Reflecting on his mother’s passing, Redford expressed his profound regret for not expressing his gratitude to her before her untimely death. He acknowledged taking her for granted, a common trait among young adults. This profound regret left a lasting scar.
After his mother’s death, Redford embarked on a journey to Europe and later pursued his passion for painting at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, also taking classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Still reeling from the loss of his mother, he found solace in his first marriage to Lola Van Wagenen, a Mormon girl. Their union, three years after Martha’s death when Redford was 22, was a pivotal moment in his life. He credited the marriage with “saving his life” during that challenging period.
Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen remained married for 27 years and had four children together. Tragically, their first-born son, Scott Redford, passed away at a very young age due to “sudden infant death syndrome” (SIDS) when he was just 2½ months old. Redford blamed himself for not checking on his baby sooner, a common reaction among parents facing the devastating mystery of SIDS. The actor revealed this deep pain publicly after 52 years in an interview with the Denver Post.
As of 1969, SIDS became a recognized syndrome, and it remains the leading cause of death among infants from one month to one year old. Despite advances in understanding SIDS, the pain and self-blame experienced by parents who lose a child to this syndrome continue to be profound.
The tragedy did not end there for Robert Redford. His third child, James Redford, also known as Jamie, faced health challenges from a young age. Diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a rare autoimmune disease affecting the liver, Jamie underwent two liver transplants in 1993. He went on to establish the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about organ and tissue donation.
In November 2019, while awaiting a liver transplant due to a recurrence of his liver disease, James’s cancer was discovered. Tragically, in October 2020, he passed away at the age of 58 due to bile-duct cancer in his liver. Robert Redford mourned his son’s loss, acknowledging the profound grief that comes with losing a child.
Reflecting on his life and career, Robert Redford, now 86, revealed that the most challenging aspect of his life has been dealing with the problems faced by his children. He highlighted the numerous challenges and tragedies his family endured, many of which remained unknown to the public.
Robert Redford’s life is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the enduring love and support of family. Despite the hardships he faced, he continued to pursue his passions and achieve success in the entertainment industry. His story serves as an inspiration for all who have faced trials in their lives, reminding us that even amidst the darkest moments, there can be moments of light and triumph.
This Hollywood legend’s journey is a testament to his strength and determination, and we can only admire his unwavering spirit. Robert Redford’s work in the entertainment industry has left an indelible mark, and his personal story of perseverance and love is equally remarkable.