Robert Redford Remembered

Robert Redford, the legendary actor, passed away at the age of 89 on September 16th, in his beloved Sundance, Utah. His love story with Civil Szaggars started several decades ago in those same mountains.

The two met in 1996 during a ski trip to the Sundance Mountain Resort. This location later became known for fostering independent filmmakers through the Sundance Institute.

In 2014, Szaggars shared memorable insights about their initial meeting. She recalled, “I knew him,” referring to Redford, while mentioning her admiration for films like “Jeremiah Johnson” and “Barefoot in the Park,” despite not being much into cinema herself.

Redford had invited her and friends for dinner while on the slopes, and she found herself feeling somewhat out of her depth. One of her friends informed her about the possibility of renting his films, which led her to watch a selection of his works. She humorously noted her anxiety about discussing them with him, worrying it might be awkward.

“It was one of the things that drew me to her. She didn’t know much about me.”

– Robert Redford

Redford was drawn to Szaggars’ unassuming nature—she didn’t have all that celebrity knowledge that might complicate interactions. This helped lay the groundwork for their relationship, allowing them to connect simply as two individuals.

Before marrying Szaggars in 2009, Redford was previously wed to Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he had children. Though Redford and Szaggars didn’t have kids together, she became a stepmother to his children from his first marriage.

Throughout their years together, Redford and Szaggars kept their relationship quite private. Even when engaged, he mentioned to a German magazine, “We’re engaged and I’m very pleased. She’s my fiancé, and that says it all, right?”

In 2011, he described Szaggars as “a very special person,” highlighting her European background and the fresh perspective she brought into his life at a different stage.

Both have shared an interest in activism, especially in environmental issues. In 2015, they established the Rain Path, an organization focused on artistic performance and education.

Redford was a notable figure in Hollywood, known for iconic films like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Sting.” He had left an indelible mark on the industry, winning an Academy Award for Best Director with “Ordinary People” in 1981.

After his passing, Utah Governor Spencer Cox took to social media to express admiration for Redford’s legacy. “He cherished our landscape and created the legacy that made Utah a home of storytelling and creativity,” he wrote, reflecting on Redford’s significant connection to the state.

The official statement from his representatives confirmed that Redford died at home, surrounded by loved ones, calling for privacy for the family during this time.