Lola Van Wagenen: Robert Redford's Ex-Wife & Her Life Today

20 May, 2025

Ever wondered what happened to the woman who once stood beside one of Hollywood's most iconic figures? Lola van Wagenen isn't just a footnote in Robert Redford's biography; she's a force in her own right, a historian, activist, and a woman who has carved her own remarkable path.

Lola van Wagenen's story is one of transformation and resilience. Born on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, into a Mormon family, she developed a strong sense of social consciousness early in life. This drive led her to advocate for causes close to her heart, including environmental protection, energy conservation, and women’s rights. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she met a young, aspiring actor named Robert Redford in Los Angeles in 1957. Their connection was immediate, and on August 9, 1958, they married, embarking on a chapter that would bring both joy and sorrow.

Lola van Wagenen: Biographical and Professional Information
Full Name	Lola van Wagenen
Birth Date	December 19, 1938
Birth Place	Provo, Utah, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Historian, Activist, Producer
Education	Doctorate in American History from New York University
Known For	Founding Director of Clio Visualizing History, Co-founder of Consumer Action Now
Marital Status	Married to George Carleton Burrill
First Spouse	Robert Redford (married 1958, divorced 1985)
Second Spouse	George Carleton Burrill (married July 17, 2002)
Children	Amy Redford, James Redford (deceased), Scott Anthony Redford (deceased), Shauna Redford
Grandchildren	5
Activism	Advocate for environmental protection, energy conservation, and women’s rights.
Producer Credits	American Experience (1988), The State of Marriage (2015), The Mike Douglas Show (1961)
Organizations Founded	Consumer Action Now (1970), Clio Visualizing History, Inc. (1995)
Reference	Clio Visualizing History

The marriage of Lola van Wagenen and Robert Redford produced four children: Amy, James, Scott, and Shauna. Redford, born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, was rapidly ascending in Hollywood, eventually becoming a cinematic icon. However, despite the seeming glamour, Lola’s path began to diverge. While Redford's star continued to rise, Lola returned to academia, pursuing her passion for history. She enrolled at New York University, where she earned her doctorate in American history, marking a significant turning point in her life.

The couple's journey together eventually came to an end, and they divorced in 1985. Despite the end of their marriage, Lola didn’t falter. She channeled her energy into her academic pursuits and activism. In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to informing and empowering consumers. This demonstrated her commitment to social change and her belief in the power of collective action.

Lola's dedication to historical research and education led her to co-found Clio Visualizing History, Inc., in 1995. This organization aimed to bring history to life through innovative visual and interactive media. Clio, initially a non-profit, underwent a corporate restructuring in 2003. As founding director, Lola poured her heart and soul into the project, ensuring its mission remained focused on making history accessible and engaging for all. Her research delved into the intricate connections between gender, religion, and politics during pivotal moments in women’s history, offering fresh perspectives and challenging conventional narratives.

After a period of 16 years, Lola found love again. On July 17, 2002, she married George Carleton Burrill in a ceremony held in Shelburne, Vermont. Burrill, the founder of the international development firm “ard,” shared Lola’s commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Their union marked the beginning of a new chapter, filled with shared values and mutual respect.

Lola van Wagenen’s contributions extend beyond her professional achievements. She has also made her mark as a producer, lending her expertise to projects such as "American Experience" (1988), "The State of Marriage" (2015), and "The Mike Douglas Show" (1961). These projects reflect her diverse interests and her ability to engage with a wide range of audiences.

While Robert Redford moved on, marrying Sibylle Szaggars after his nearly 30-year marriage to Lola, Lola van Wagenen remained steadfast in her dedication to her work and her family. She is known not only as the former wife of a celebrity but also as a grandmother to five grandchildren, some of whom are also well-known figures. Her legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, social activism, and personal strength.

Rickey Gard Diamond, who, like Lola, married young at 19, found themselves as classmates at Goddard College in the early 1980s. These adult students, both with children, discovered a shared passion for history under the guidance of Professor Richard Hathaway. Hathaway’s emphasis on women’s history profoundly shaped their understanding of the field.

The Redford-van Wagenen family experienced both joy and sorrow. The loss of their first child, Scott, to SIDS at just two months old, left an indelible mark. Despite this profound loss, they persevered, raising their other children with love and dedication. Shauna Redford, their eldest daughter, is an accomplished American painter, having graduated with an art degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1985. James Redford, sadly deceased, also made significant contributions through his work.

Lola van Wagenen's life is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of pursuing one's passions. From her early days as a young bride to her current role as a respected historian and activist, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a difference. She does not maintain a social media presence, preferring to focus on her work and her family. Her journey is a reminder that one's identity is not defined by their relationships but by their actions and contributions to the world.

The narrative surrounding Lola van Wagenen often frames her primarily in relation to her first husband, Robert Redford. While their marriage was undoubtedly a significant chapter in her life, it is crucial to recognize her individual accomplishments and contributions. She is not merely "Lola Redford's husband's wife" or "the wife of a celebrity." She is Lola van Wagenen, an American historian, consumer activist, and environmentalist with a distinguished career and a lasting impact on the fields of history and social activism.

Throughout her life, Lola van Wagenen has demonstrated a keen understanding of the interconnectedness of social, political, and environmental issues. Her early involvement in consumer activism laid the groundwork for her later work in historical research and environmental advocacy. She recognized that empowering individuals with knowledge and resources is essential for creating a more just and sustainable world.

Her co-founding of Consumer Action Now in 1970 was a direct response to the growing need for consumer education and advocacy. The organization provided resources and information to help consumers make informed decisions and protect themselves from unfair business practices. This initiative reflected Lola's belief in the importance of holding corporations accountable and ensuring that consumers have a voice in the marketplace.

Lola's transition from consumer activism to historical research was a natural progression. She understood that understanding the past is crucial for shaping a better future. Her doctoral research at New York University focused on the ways in which gender, religion, and politics have shaped American society. She sought to uncover the hidden stories and marginalized voices that often get overlooked in traditional historical narratives.

Her work with Clio Visualizing History was particularly innovative. By using visual media and interactive technologies, she made history more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Clio's projects explored a diverse range of historical topics, from women's suffrage to the Civil Rights Movement, and provided valuable resources for educators and students alike.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Lola van Wagenen has also been a devoted mother and grandmother. She raised her four children while simultaneously pursuing her academic and activist pursuits. She instilled in them a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Her grandchildren, some of whom have achieved fame in their own right, are a testament to her enduring influence.

Lola van Wagenen's story is a powerful reminder that women can excel in multiple roles and make significant contributions to society while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. She has defied conventional expectations and carved her own unique path, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of history, activism, and education.

Her life embodies the spirit of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and social commitment. She has overcome personal challenges and professional obstacles to emerge as a leading voice for change. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to pursue their passions, advocate for social justice, and make a positive difference in the world.

In conclusion, Lola van Wagenen is more than just a name in the annals of celebrity marriages. She is a remarkable woman whose life's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of history, consumer rights, and environmental stewardship. Her story deserves to be celebrated and remembered for its own merits, independent of her connection to Robert Redford.

Her journey is a testament to the enduring power of education, activism, and personal growth. It is a reminder that each individual has the potential to shape their own destiny and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Lola Van Wagenen's story is a powerful example of a life lived with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.

Robert Redford and Lola van Wagenen's marriage was a significant chapter in both of their lives.

Lola Van Wagenen has been married twice, and she has four children and five grandchildren.

Lola van Wagenen is happily married to George Burrill.

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