Robert Redford is renowned not only for his legendary acting career but also for his commitment to philanthropy, environmental activism, and filmmaking, instilling a love for cinema in his family.
Together with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, he raised four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy Redford. Tragically, their firstborn son, Scott, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome at just 2 months old.
Following James’s passing in October 2020, Jill Tidman highlighted his impactful life as a filmmaker and activist, noting he will be “greatly and intensely missed.”
In October 2020, the family faced another loss when their younger son, James, succumbed to cancer. Following his death, Jill Tidman, the executive director of The Redford Center, praised James’s exceptional life and contributions. “As a filmmaker, writer, and activist, Jamie was intentional and inspirational,” Tidman remarked. “He will be greatly and intensely missed.”
Redford’s influence is evident in his family, as many have ventured into the arts and filmmaking. His son James directed and produced various films and documentaries, while his daughters Amy and Shauna have also pursued careers in film and art. Several of his grandchildren are beginning to follow in his footsteps.
Here is a comprehensive overview of Robert Redford’s children and grandchildren.
Robert Redford’s Children
Scott Anthony Redford
The first child of Redford and Van Wagenen, Scott Anthony Redford, was born on September 1, 1959. Sadly, he passed away from SIDS on November 19, 1959, at 2 ½ months old. Redford seldom discusses Scott’s death publicly, but in November 2017, he reflected on the impact of this tragedy.
“I was only 21; my wife was 20. We were just starting our lives,” he recalled to Esquire. “Of course it was traumatic, and how that plays out over time, I don’t know.” Scott rests in Provo City Cemetery in Provo, Utah.
Shauna Redford, 62
Shauna Jean Redford, the couple’s first daughter, was born on November 15, 1960. She graduated with an art degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1985. That same year, she married Eric Schlosser in a ceremony at her parents’ home in Provo Canyon, Utah. Schlosser later authored Fast Food Nation, and they had two children, Mica and Conor Schlosser.
In 2018, Redford spoke about the future of the Sundance Institute, emphasizing that her children would take over the organization he founded. “They’re inheriting what I started,” he stated, highlighting their readiness to carry on his legacy.
James Redford
Born on May 5, 1962, David James “Jamie” Redford grew up in New York, spending summers at his family’s home in Utah. Diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis as an adult, he underwent two liver transplants in 1993.
Inspired by his experiences, he founded the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness and created the documentary The Kindness of Strangers, which shared the stories of organ donors. Like his sister, he studied at the University of Colorado Boulder, earning degrees in creative writing and film, followed by a master’s in literature from Northwestern University.
He married Kyle in June 1988 and had two children, Dylan and Lena, while residing in Marin County, California. James acknowledged the challenges of living in his father’s shadow while striving to prove himself.
In 2005, he and Robert co-founded The Redford Center, merging their passions for storytelling and environmental activism. Tragically, James passed away from bile duct cancer on October 16, 2020. His wife shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter, expressing gratitude for the life they shared and their children.
Amy Redford, 53
The youngest child, Amy Hart Redford, was born on October 22, 1970. Like her siblings, she grew up between New York and Utah, attending the Dalton School before studying theater at San Francisco State University. In 2008, she reflected on her upbringing in filmmaking, citing her father’s influence.
Amy has directed feature films, TV episodes, and music videos, including The Guitar (2008) and Jeff Buckley’s “Everyday People” (2016). She has spoken out about the challenges women face in the film industry and expressed hopes for her daughter’s future.
Amy was previously married to Scottish photographer Mark Mann from 2000 to 2004 and later wed theater director Matt August in 2008. They welcomed twins before their divorce, a topic she discussed candidly in 2022. Currently, Amy resides in Salt Lake City, where she continues her work in film and hosts a podcast called Scrappy Broads.
Robert Redford’s Grandchildren
Mica Schlosser, 32
The first grandchild, Mica, was born in January 1991 to Shauna and Eric Schlosser. She is a copywriter and illustrator at Thirteensee Creative in New York. Mica graduated with a history degree from Middlebury College and holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Oxford, along with a master’s in design from Central St. Martins.
Conor Schlosser, 31
Born on July 29, 1992, Conor graduated from Colby College in 2015. He has worked as a producer at RadicalMedia in New York City and previously held positions at the Sundance Institute and Food Network.
Dylan Redford, 32
The first child of James and Kyle, Dylan was born on October 16, 1991, in Denver. His family relocated to Marin County when he was 4. After studying studio art at Middlebury College, he graduated in 2015. Dylan faced dyslexia as a child, and his father directed the documentary The Big Picture, which highlighted his journey through the college application process.
Following in the family tradition, Dylan is now a filmmaker based in San Rafael, California. He persuaded his grandfather to join the cast of his film Omniboat: A Fast Boat Fantasia, which premiered at Sundance. On November 23, 2020, Dylan was elected as co-chair of The Redford Center’s board of directors, aiming to lead initiatives for environmental justice.
Lena Hart Redford, 27
Lena, the younger child of James and Kyle, was born in November 1995. She graduated from Vassar College in 2018 with a degree in media studies. An artist and filmmaker, Lena has collaborated with her grandfather on projects and had her short film Dear Maria featured at the Borscht Film Festival.
Amy Redford’s Three Children
Amy and her ex-husband Matt August have a daughter, Eden August, born in 2008, along with 11-year-old twins. Amy shared her thoughts on motherhood, noting the challenges and joys of parenting later in life.
