Robert Redford, a towering figure in American cinema and an enduring symbol of Hollywood’s golden era, passed away on September 16, 2025. Beyond his legendary status as an actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford’s life was deeply marked by profound personal sorrow, particularly the loss of two of his sons. This Robert Redford family tragedy reveals the quiet endurance behind the public image of a man admired worldwide.
Early Family Heartbreak: The Tragic Loss of Scott Anthony Redford
Robert married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, beginning a new chapter with his college sweetheart in New York City. However, just a year later, the couple faced a devastating blow. Their first son, Scott Anthony Redford, died at just two and a half months old from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a baffling and unexplained condition that remains a source of anguish for many families.
Reflecting on that painful time, Robert recalled,
“I was only 21; my wife was 20,”
expressing the shock of the young couple.
“We were just starting our lives; I was just starting my career in New York. Of course it was traumatic, and how that plays out over time, I don’t know [sic].”
He went on,
“We had to deal with it. You have to move on. And we had other children who came. But something like that doesn’t get completely dismissed. It probably shows up in various small ways you’re not even aware of.”
This grief stayed beneath the surface during Redford’s ascent in the film world but never fully left him.
In a rare and poignant admission, Redford revealed a haunting feeling of responsibility, stating,
“This, I felt, was a disaster entirely of my creation.”
The pain of losing his infant son quietly shadowed his successes, a reminder of life’s fragility despite fame and fortune.
The Loss of Jamie Redford: A Son’s Courageous Battle Against Illness
Many years later, tragedy struck again. Jamie Redford, Robert’s second son and closest creative partner, died in 2020 at age 58 after a lengthy struggle with liver cancer complicated by Sclerosing Cholangitis, a chronic autoimmune disease. Jamie’s health challenges had persisted since childhood, including a critical liver transplant in 1993.
During the transplant period, Robert supported Jamie closely, flying from filming duties in Omaha every weekend. The father-son bond was strong, united by their shared passion for storytelling. Jamie was a respected documentary filmmaker and founder of The Redford Center, focusing on environmental conservation and inspiring change through film.
Jamie’s wife, Kyle Redford, announced his passing on X, highlighting his impact and legacy. Robert’s publicist, Cindi Berger, stated,
“is mourning with his family during this difficult time and asks for privacy,”
later adding:
“The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child. Jamie was a loving son, husband and father. His legacy lives on through his children, art, filmmaking and devoted passion to conservation and the environment [sic].”
Robert Redford Reflects on the Hidden Struggles Behind His Public Life
Despite the image of a man with a successful career and fulfilled life, Robert Redford never hid the emotional toll of his family’s suffering. Addressing the misconceptions about his life, he revealed,
“The hardest thing in the world is when your children have problems. There have been so many hits on our family that no one knows about, and I don’t want them to, for my family’s sake. People think it’s been easy for me. That’s hard to live with. It’s so untrue.”
In candid moments, Redford acknowledged that his children represented his greatest achievement. He explained,
“I’ve made some interesting movies, and I’ve been very satisfied with the work, but if someone wrapped it all up and said to me, ‘What’s your greatest achievement?’ I’d say, ‘The children. They’re the best thing in my life,”
highlighting that his family was the core of his identity beyond stardom.
The Creative Spirit of Shauna and Amy: Carrying Forward Their Father’s Legacy
Robert’s two surviving daughters, Shauna and Amy Redford, continue to embody the artistic passion and humanistic values he instilled. Shauna, a talented painter, has lived a more private life yet earned recognition within the art community. She is married to Eric Schlosser, an investigative journalist and author known for Fast Food Nation. Their wedding took place at their parents’ home in Provo, Utah.
Amy Redford has taken a more visible path in the arts, making a name for herself as a director, producer, and actress, with credits including prominent television shows like The Sopranos and Sex and the City. Watching her father work deeply shaped her career. She once shared,
“As a kid I witnessed the process of my dad [Robert Redford] making films and the extraordinary cast of characters that came together to make it happen… I found myself drawn to the nomadic and creative life that that implied [sic].”
Amy, a mother of three, has also spoken about her own health challenges. Reflecting on a difficult period, she said,
“I went through a period in my life in my 20s when I had chronic laryngitis for three years and I realize now that I was not my authentic self [sic].”
A Peaceful Farewell in Utah, Surrounded by Loved Ones
Robert Redford passed away peacefully at his home in Utah, a place that meant much to him throughout his life. His publicist confirmed he was,
“in the place he loved surrounded by those he loved [sic].”
This final resting place connected him to the natural beauty and tranquility he cherished, reflecting a life deeply intertwined with family and the environment.
Redford’s death leaves a profound legacy as a giant in film and independent cinema, but perhaps more importantly, as a devoted father who endured considerable loss without letting it harden his spirit. His story is a poignant reminder of the human experiences behind celebrity and achievement, and the enduring power of family bonds.
Jamie died today. We’re heartbroken. He lived a beautiful, impactful life & was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. As his wife of 32 yrs, I’m most grateful for the two spectacular children we raised together. I don’t know what we would’ve done w/o them over the past 2yrs. pic.twitter.com/ynDN2jSZ04
— kyle redford (@kyleredford) October 16, 2020
