Robert Redford: A Life of Love, Heartbreak, and Hollywood Glory

For decades, Robert Redford has captivated audiences with his charisma, talent, and roles that seemed tailor-made for the silver screen. From his legendary partnership with Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to his emotional performance in The Way We Were alongside Barbra Streisand, Redford’s presence on screen is unforgettable.

However, beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the actor’s personal life has been filled with love, heartbreak, and moments that shaped his soul. Until now, Redford has remained tight-lipped about the one woman who left an indelible mark on his heart. At 88 years old, Redford has finally opened up about the greatest love of his life—and why he chose to keep it a secret for so long.

You likely know Robert Redford as the golden-haired actor with a smile that lit up the screen, a heartthrob in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Way We Were. But before Hollywood found him, Robert was just a regular kid growing up in a modest, working-class family in Santa Monica, California. His father was an accountant, and his mother managed the household.

They led a simple life in Venice, California, a far cry from the Hollywood dream Robert would eventually live. From a young age, Robert was different—more interested in art, sports, and the outdoors than in academics. He even described himself as a “bad student” because of his inability to focus in class. But on the tennis court or with a paintbrush in hand, he thrived.

Robert’s path to stardom wasn’t straightforward. After high school, he struggled at the University of Colorado, battling a growing drinking problem. His scholarship was revoked, and he was eventually expelled. But instead of giving up, Robert decided to travel through Europe, immersing himself in the arts while finding himself. He lived simply in places like France, Spain, and Italy, sketching and painting. During this time, Robert’s passion for acting began to take root. When he returned to the United States, he studied painting at the Pratt Institute in New York before ultimately giving acting a chance at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Though he didn’t see instant success, Robert’s perseverance paid off. He took on small roles in television and theater, gradually making a name for himself. His breakout moment came in 1963 with the Broadway production of Barefoot in the Park, where he played a newlywed opposite Elizabeth Ashley.

Audiences loved him, and soon he was starring in TV shows like The Twilight Zone and Perry Mason. By the late 1960s, Robert Redford had become a full-blown movie star. His role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with Paul Newman cemented his place in Hollywood history, and he became a heartthrob. Yet, as his career soared, his personal life began to show cracks.

In the late 1950s, Robert met Lola Van Wagenen, a calm, grounded woman from Provo, Utah, who had a deep connection to her Mormon faith. Despite their differences, the two were drawn to each other. In 1958, they eloped, defying Lola’s parents’ wishes. Their early years together were challenging. Robert was still trying to break into acting, and money was tight.

They lived in small apartments, struggling to make ends meet. But tragedy struck when their first child, Scott, died from sudden infant death syndrome. It was a devastating blow that brought them closer. Lola’s strength helped Robert through the darkest days, and he later referred to her as the love of his life. Her unwavering support helped him navigate the trials of Hollywood and push forward in his career.

As Robert’s fame grew, the pressure on their relationship mounted. By the 1970s, Robert was working non-stop, often away on location for months at a time, while Lola stayed at home raising their children. Robert admits that he wasn’t always there for his family during these years. His ambition and drive often overshadowed his role as a husband and father. Despite the strain, Lola remained his confidant and sounding board, supporting his decision to launch the Sundance Film Festival in 1981, a project that would change the independent film landscape forever.

But by the mid-1980s, the stress of balancing his career with family life took its toll. In 1985, after 27 years of marriage, Robert and Lola divorced. Though their relationship ended, they remained friends and continued to co-parent their children. Robert has always spoken highly of Lola, describing her as the love of his life. Despite their separation, the bond they shared remained unbreakable, and the impact she had on him was immeasurable.

Following his divorce, Robert’s love life remained active, though often turbulent. In 1987, he met Brazilian actress Sonia Braga, known for her fiery personality and bold roles. The two had an electric romance, and although their relationship lasted less than a year, it was intense and full of passion. A couple of years later, while filming Havana in 1990, Robert found himself falling for Swedish actress Lena Olin. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off-screen. Their brief relationship left a lasting impression on Robert, as he was drawn to Lena’s creativity and vulnerability.

However, as Robert’s career continued to evolve, so did his personal life. In the mid-1990s, he became romantically involved with Cathy Oer, a costume designer nearly 20 years his junior. Cathy wasn’t a part of the Hollywood spotlight, which may have been part of the appeal for Robert. Their relationship was quiet and private, exactly what Robert needed after years in the public eye.

As the years went on, Robert Redford continued to redefine himself as an actor, director, and producer. He starred in films like Up Close & Personal in 1996 and The Horse Whisperer in 1998, proving that age was no barrier to his talent. He was no longer just a movie star—he was a cultural icon, a storyteller who took risks and was deeply committed to independent cinema. Through his work with the Sundance Film Festival, he gave a platform to filmmakers who might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Now, in his late 80s, Robert Redford has reflected on a life filled with triumphs and losses, love and heartbreak. His career and relationships have been intertwined, and each chapter in his life has added depth to the man we see today. Despite the ups and downs, Robert remains a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring power of love.

In opening up about the greatest love of his life, Robert Redford has reminded us all that behind the fame, behind the roles, is a man who has experienced the same highs and lows as any of us—someone who, like many, has loved deeply, lost painfully, and carried on with grace.