5 facts about Hollywood legend Robert Redford that you may not know
Former director and legendary actor Robert Redford died on September 16, 2025. While he was a well-known face on the big screen, Redford was also a prolific director and environmentalist. Redford also was one of the founders of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
Untold facts about Robert Redford
Robert Redford, iconic director and actor, died on September 16, 2025, in Sundance, Utah.Redford in his six-decade-long career, left a defining impact on cinema. Here are some lesser known facts about the legendary star.
Robert Redford's keen interest in Skiing
The founder of the Sundance film festivals was a skii enthusiast. The actor had mentioned in an interview that, "Skiing holds everything." While Redford explored other sporting activities, he felt more at ease skiing in the snow.
Interest in sports helped in secure university scholarship
Robert Redford was an athlete in his early days and spent many years playing football, tennis, baseball and doing horseback riding. Due to his keen interest in baseball, the actor was honoured with scholarships, which helped him get enrolled at the University of Colorado.
Two marriages
Robert Redford was married twice. In his college era, the actor married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, and had a son named Scott, who died due to infant death syndrome. After him, the couple had three more children, Shauna, Amy, and David James. They went their separate ways in 1985. After that, Redford came into a relationship with Sibylle Szaggars, with whom he spent 16 years of his life. Despite divorcing his first wife and getting into a second marriage, Robert Redford had always praised his wives and his children, whom he felt proud of.
Faced tough times at an early age
Robert Redford has faced a lot of tragedies in his early life. The Oscar-winning actor lost his mother because of a bacterial infection at the age of 17. The artist's mother's death left him in depression, feelings of anger, and disillusionment. He and his wife, Lola lost their son- their first born- to sudden infant death syndrome.
Redford was an ultimate late runner.
Robert Redford was known to be unpunctual. He was notorious for arriving late to film sets and events.
Biggest Break of Redford's life
Robert Redford took a long career break after his film with Jane Fonda - Barefoot in the Park - became a smash hit. Redford was tired of being typecast as a blonde male actor capable of only romantic roles. He decided to take a prolonged break from acting and made a comeback as both an actor and a director with the film Ordinary People in 1981.
Honoured by former US President Barack Obama
The legendary Robert Redford bagged multiple awards and accolades in his liferime. The actor was also honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 by former US President Barack Obama. His unremarkable work and service earned him one of the highest civilian honour in America.
The Biggest project of Robert for new creators
Robert Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival which till date provides a platform to upcoming artists and filmmakers. He decided to establish the Sundance Institute to provide generous support to independent filmmakers.
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