Lola Van Wagenen is a name that has been part of the American public consciousness for over six decades, often shining in the reflective glow of Hollywood royalty while carving out a deeply influential path of her own. As a historian, activist, and academic, she has spent her life championing environmental causes and the preservation of women’s history, proving that her identity is far more complex than just being the former spouse of a cinema legend. Today, her legacy is defined by intellectual rigor and a tireless commitment to social change that continues to inspire new generations.
Quick of Lola Van Wagenen at a Glance
| Feature | Information |
| Full Name | Lola Van Wagenen, Ph.D. |
| Birth Date | December 19, 1938 |
| Birthplace | Provo, Utah, USA |
| Current Age | 87 Years Old (as of 2026) |
| Education | Ph.D. in American History (New York University) |
| Primary Career | Historian, Activist, Executive Producer |
| First Spouse | Robert Redford (m. 1958–1985) |
| Current Spouse | George Burrill (m. 2002–Present) |
| Children | Scott (dec.), Shauna, James (dec.), Amy |
| Grandchildren | 7 Grandchildren |
| Key Organization | Clio Visualizing History (Co-founder) |
| Notable Book | Sister-Wives and Suffragists |
| Awards | Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award (NYU) |
The Early Years and Education of Lola Van Wagenen
Born on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, Lola Van Wagenen grew up in a Mormon household, though she would later explore a wide variety of philosophical and religious ideas. Her life changed forever in 1957 when she met a young artist named Robert Redford in Los Angeles. At the time, they were both just starting their journeys, and their connection was immediate and powerful. They married on August 9, 1958, in Las Vegas, embarking on a life that would soon be swept up in the whirlwind of global fame.
In those early days, a young Lola Van Wagenen was the foundation of the family as her husband’s career began to soar. They moved to New York City, where she supported his transition from art to acting. Despite the growing spotlight, she remained grounded, focusing on her family and her burgeoning interest in social activism. Both great joy and immense tragedy marked this period of her life, as the couple navigated the challenges of raising a family in the public eye while dealing with deep personal loss.
The Redford Dynasty: Children and Resilience
The marriage between Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen resulted in four children, each of whom inherited their parents’ creative and passionate spirits. Their first son, Scott Anthony Redford, was born in 1959 but tragically died of SIDS at only two months old. This heartbreaking event left a lasting impact on both parents, yet they moved forward with resilience. Their daughter, Shauna Redford, born in 1960, grew up to become a talented painter, while their son James Redford (often called Jamie) became a renowned documentary filmmaker before his passing in 2020.
Their youngest child, Amy Redford, born in 1970, followed in her father’s footsteps as an actress and director. In many ways, Lola Van Wagenen was the glue that held the family together during the busiest years of Robert Redford’s career. Even after the couple’s quiet separation and eventual divorce in 1985, she remained a devoted mother. Today, the family has expanded, and Lola Van Wagenen’s grandchildren—totaling seven—are the pride of her life, representing the next chapter of a family known for its contribution to American culture.
A Career Built on Environmental Activism
While the world knew her as a celebrity wife, Lola Van Wagenen was busy building a career as a formidable activist. In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a non-profit aimed at educating the public on how their daily habits affected the environment. She didn’t just lend her name to the cause; she served as co-chair for a decade, testifying before Congress and lobbying for the Toxic Substances Control Act. Her work was instrumental in bringing environmental awareness to the mainstream long before it was a common political talking point.
Her passion for energy conservation led to the creation of The Sun Fund in the mid-1970s. This initiative promoted solar energy and resulted in the production of The Solar Film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1980. Lola Van Wagenen proved that she had the vision to combine media with activism, a skill she would later use to transform how we study history. Her transition from the front lines of activism to the halls of academia showed her incredible range as a public intellectual.
Academic Achievement and Clio Visualizing History
Education has always been a cornerstone of her life. Lola Van Wagenen earned her bachelor’s degree from Vermont College in 1982, followed by a master’s and eventually a Ph.D. in American History from New York University in 1994. Her doctoral dissertation was so significant that it was published as the book Sister-Wives and Suffragists: Polygamy and the Politics of Woman Suffrage. This work provided a deep look into the lives of Mormon women in the 19th century, highlighting their ability to find and tell the stories that are often overlooked.
In 1995, she co-founded Clio Visualizing History, an organization dedicated to making history more accessible through film and digital platforms. Under her leadership, the organization produced documentaries like Miss America, which aired on the PBS series American Experience. She understood that for history to be relevant, it needed to be seen and felt. By using her skills as an executive producer, she ensured that the complexities of the American story were shared with a broad audience, cementing her status as a pioneer in public history.
Love and Partnership with George Burrill
After her marriage to Robert Redford ended, she found a new partner in life and purpose. George Burrill and Lola Van Wagenen married in 2002, and their relationship has been a model of shared values and international service. George Burrill, the founder of an international development firm, shared her passion for global issues and philanthropy. Together, they moved to Vermont, where they became deeply involved in the local community and international causes, including significant work with New Zealand.
The couple is well-known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in education. They established the New American Scholarship Fund at Champlain College and have been recognized by the Auckland University of Technology for their support of student exchange programs. For Lola Van Wagenen, this chapter of her life with George Burrill has been one of quiet but profound impact. They have spent over two decades working together to improve lives, proving that a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals can achieve incredible things.
Lola Van Wagenen Today and in 2026
Many people often ask: Is Lola Van Wagenen still alive? The answer is a resounding yes. As of 2024, 2025, and entering 2026, she remains active in her various charitable and academic pursuits. At 87 years old, Lola Van Wagenen continues to serve on boards for organizations like Shelburne Farms and the New York Women’s Foundation. She has aged with a grace that reflects her life of purpose, choosing to spend her time on projects that matter rather than seeking the spotlight of her younger years.
Her daily life is now a mix of family time and continued historical research. While she no longer produces major documentaries at the same rate, her influence is still felt through the resources she helped create at Clio Visualizing History. Lola Van Wagenen now lives a peaceful life in Shelburne, Vermont, where she is respected as a scholar and a community leader. She has successfully transitioned from the high-pressure world of Hollywood to a life of quiet dignity and intellectual fulfillment.
Evaluating the Net Worth of Lola Van Wagenen
When discussing the net worth of Lola Van Wagenen, it is important to look beyond just the numbers. While some sources estimate the Lola Van Wagenen net worth to be in the range of $2 million to $5 million, her true wealth lies in the institutions she has built and the lives she has touched. Her divorce from Robert Redford was settled privately, and she has always been discreet about her financial standing, preferring to focus on her work as a historian and activist rather than her bank account.
Her financial independence allowed her to pursue a Ph.D. and fund documentary projects that might not have received mainstream backing. This autonomy has been a key part of her story, allowing her to remain a “private citizen” while still having a massive public impact. The net worth Lola Van Wagenen holds has been used to fuel her passion for education and the environment, ensuring that her financial resources serve a greater good rather than just a luxury lifestyle.
The Legacy of Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen
The connection between Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen is a central part of her history, but it is not the whole story. They were a “power couple” before the term was popular, using their platform to advocate for the environment and independent film. Even though they went their separate ways, their combined influence helped birth the Sundance Institute and other cultural milestones. Their mutual respect remained visible through the years as they co-parented their children and shared an interest in their various causes.
Reflecting on Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen as a duo reveals a partnership that was ahead of its time. They weren’t just about red carpets; they were about real-world change. While Robert Redford became the face of the movement, Lola Van Wagenen was often the intellectual engine, providing the research and organizational skills needed to make their vision a reality. Their history is a testament to how two people can change the world together, even if their personal paths eventually diverge.
Lola Van Wagenen: A Lifetime in Focus
To see Lola Van Wagenen young is to see a woman who was always looking toward the future. Whether she was organizing a “SunDay” celebration at the United Nations or conducting research for her next book, she has always been driven by a need to understand and improve the world around her. Her life serves as a blueprint for how to handle fame with integrity. She never allowed the Hollywood lifestyle to distract her from her goals, and she never let her association with a famous man define her worth.
In 2026, as we look back on her career, it is clear that she is a titan of public service. From her early days in Provo to her current life in Vermont, she has remained consistent in her values. The world may have met her as a wife, but it remembers her as a doctor of history and a fierce advocate for the planet. Her journey is a reminder that the most interesting lives are often the ones lived with a focus on others, and Lola Van Wagenen has certainly lived a life of great interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lola Van Wagenen still alive in 2026? Yes, Lola Van Wagenen is alive and continues to be active in her philanthropic and academic pursuits, primarily based in Vermont.
Who is Lola Van Wagenen married to now? She has been married to George Burrill, a Ph.D. and international development specialist, since 2002.
How many children does Lola Van Wagenen have with Robert Redford? They had four children together: Scott Anthony (who passed away as an infant), Shauna, James “Jamie” (who passed away in 2020), and Amy.
What is Lola Van Wagenen’s profession? She is a professional historian and environmental activist. She is the co-founder of Consumer Action Now and Clio Visualizing History.
What is the estimated net worth of Lola Van Wagenen? While not publicly disclosed, her net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million, reflecting her successful career and long-standing involvement in high-profile projects.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Famous Ex-Wife
Ultimately, Lola Van Wagenen has proven that it is possible to be more than just a footnote in someone else’s biography. By pursuing her own education and following her own passions, she built a legacy that stands entirely on its own. She is a woman of substance who used her unique position in the world to shine a light on important issues, from consumer rights to the history of suffrage. Her story is one of intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
As she continues her work into 2026, she remains a vital figure in the fields of history and activism. Whether you know her through her connection to Robert Redford or through her own award-winning documentaries, there is no denying the impact she has had. Lola Van Wagenen is a true American original—a scholar, a mother, and a pioneer who showed us that the most important role we can play is the one we define for ourselves.
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