Lola Van Wagenen is a renowned American historian who gained significant public attention as the former wife of Hollywood legend Robert Redford. Beyond her connection to the famous actor, she has established herself as a respected academic and founder of educational initiatives focused on American history.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Lola Van Wagenen |
|---|---|
| Profession | Historian |
| Age | 87 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1938 |
| Birthplace | Provo, Utah, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Married to George Burrill (since 2002) |
| Net Worth | $2-3 million (estimated as of 2025) |
Early Life & Background
Lola Van Wagenen was born on December 12, 1938, in Provo, Utah. She was raised in a Mormon family, with her religious upbringing playing a significant role in shaping her early values and worldview. While specific details about her early education remain private, her later academic achievements demonstrate her commitment to scholarly pursuits from a young age.
Personal Life
Lola’s personal life gained public attention when she married Robert Redford in 1958. The couple had four children together, including Amy Redford, who followed her father’s footsteps into the film industry. Sadly, their first child, Scott, passed away in 1959 from sudden infant death syndrome. After 27 years of marriage, Lola and Robert divorced in 1985.
In 2002, Lola married George Burrill, and they have maintained a more private relationship away from the Hollywood spotlight that characterized her first marriage.
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Career Journey
While initially known primarily as Robert Redford’s wife, Lola Van Wagenen has built an impressive career in her own right. Her passion for history led her to return to formal education later in life. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Vermont College in 1982, followed by a master’s degree from New York University in 1984. In 1994, she completed her Ph.D. in American History at NYU.
In 1995, Van Wagenen co-founded Clio Visualizing History, an organization dedicated to bringing American history to wider public audiences through innovative educational media. This initiative reflected her commitment to making historical knowledge accessible beyond academic circles.
Notable Works & Achievements
As an executive producer, Lola has contributed to several significant historical documentaries. Her most notable productions include:
- Miss America: A Documentary Film
- The State of Marriage
These works reflect her interest in examining pivotal aspects of American cultural and social history.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Lola Van Wagenen’s estimated net worth is between $2-3 million. Her wealth derives primarily from her work as a historian, documentary producer, and through educational initiatives. Unlike her former husband, whose wealth stems from entertainment, Van Wagenen’s financial success is rooted in academic and educational pursuits.
Physical Appearance
While specific details about Lola’s height are not widely documented, she has always maintained a dignified and professional appearance befitting her academic standing. Her public presentations reflect her scholarly background rather than emphasizing physical attributes.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Van Wagenen dropped out of college at age 19 to marry Robert Redford
- She later returned to complete her education, eventually earning a Ph.D.
- Despite her connection to Hollywood through Redford, she has maintained focus on her academic career
- Her organization, Clio Visualizing History, was named after the Greek muse of history
Legacy & Impact
Beyond her connection to Robert Redford, Lola Van Wagenen has established a legacy as an advocate for historical education. Her work through Clio Visualizing History continues to influence how American history is presented to non-academic audiences, making significant historical topics more accessible to the general public.
FAQ
Q: Is Lola Van Wagenen still married to Robert Redford? A: No, Lola and Robert Redford divorced in 1985 after 27 years of marriage. She married George Burrill in 2002.
Q: What is Lola Van Wagenen known for professionally? A: She is known as a historian and co-founder of Clio Visualizing History, an organization dedicated to bringing American history to wider audiences.
Q: Does Lola Van Wagenen have children? A: Yes, she had four children with Robert Redford: Scott (deceased), Shauna, Jamie, and Amy.
Q: What is Lola Van Wagenen’s educational background? A: She earned her bachelor’s degree from Vermont College, a master’s from NYU, and completed her Ph.D. in American History at NYU in 1994.