Lola Van Wagenen: Bio, Career, & Redford Connection | [Updated]
What defines a life of purpose, one where passion fuels action and impact reverberates across generations? Lola van Wagenen's journey, from Provo, Utah, to the forefront of social and environmental activism, offers a compelling answer: a life dedicated to making a tangible difference.
Born on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, USA, Lola Jean van Wagenen's life story is a testament to the power of individual commitment to causes larger than oneself. Her trajectory is interwoven with threads of historical inquiry, environmental advocacy, and a deep-seated belief in the importance of women, children, and the planet.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lola Jean van Wagenen |
| Born | December 19, 1938, Provo, Utah, USA |
| Known For | American Historian, Environmental Activist, Producer, Consumer Advocate, First Wife of Robert Redford |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree from Vermont College, Master's Degree in Public History from New York University, Honorary Doctorate of Science from Pratt Institute |
| Spouse | George Burrill (married July 17, 2002), Robert Redford (married 1958, divorced 1985) |
| Children | Scott Anthony Redford (deceased), Shauna Jean Redford, James Redford (deceased), Amy Hart Redford |
| Career Highlights |
|
| Activism | Advocate for environmental causes, energy conservation, women's rights, and child welfare. |
| Key Associations | Shelburne Farms, Vermont Historical Society, Robertson Scholars Selection Committee |
| Reference Website | IMDB |
Her involvement spans a wide array of national organizations and committees. Serving as a commissioner for the United Nations International Year of the Child, a board member for the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, and a board member for the National Audubon Society, she has demonstrated a consistent dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations and preserving the environment.
Van Wagenen's passion for humanity extends beyond her professional commitments. She is an active participant in numerous charitable organizations, including Shelburne Farms and the Vermont Historical Society. Her work also includes serving on the Robertson Scholars Selection Committee, which provides scholarships to international students at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The genesis of her activism can be traced back to her upbringing within a Mormon family in Provo, Utah. Even as a young woman, she displayed a strong sense of social consciousness. Marriage and motherhood took precedence over academia for a time, but the desire for knowledge and the imperative to act on her convictions remained.
The paths Lola van Wagenen took were as varied as her interests. Her intellectual pursuits led her to academia, earning degrees from Vermont College and New York University. This intellectual foundation informs her role as an American historian, a field to which she has made significant contributions. Furthermore, she was a delegate to the convention that nominated Franklin Delano Roosevelt for president.
Her career as a producer, too, is an integral part of her story. She has been involved in numerous projects. Her producer credits include projects such as "The State of Marriage" (2015), "American Experience" (1988), and "The Mike Douglas Show" (1961). These projects reflect her commitment to using media to educate and engage audiences on important social issues. Her commitment is reflected in the diversity of the work.
In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to empowering consumers. This initiative underscores her dedication to social justice and her understanding of the importance of informed citizens. Twenty-five years later, in 1995, she co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc., in conjunction with the historian Jeanne Houck. This company was designed to increase awareness about history and make it more accessible.
Van Wagenen's personal life has also been a subject of public interest, particularly her marriage to actor Robert Redford from 1958 to 1985. The couple had four children together: Scott Anthony, Shauna Jean, Jamie, and Amy Hart. Their divorce, after 27 years of marriage, marked the end of a significant chapter in both their lives. Following the divorce, Lola found love again, marrying George Burrill on July 17, 2002.
Throughout her life, Van Wagenen has navigated the complexities of public life, personal relationships, and professional achievements with grace and determination. She has been married to George Burrill since July 17, 2002, and prior to that, she was married to actor Robert Redford. Her path crossed with Robert Redford's when they were married in 1958.
Her story provides inspiration, reminding us that it's possible to live a life rich in purpose and meaning. She had the remarkable ability to balance personal and professional commitments, demonstrating her strength and ability to endure. Her story demonstrates that it is possible to make a difference in the world. She has demonstrated that even when life takes an unexpected turn, the spirit of inquiry and the desire to create positive change can persist and flourish.
Lola van Wagenen's life has been a symphony of experiences. From her origins in Provo, Utah, to her current endeavors, she has consistently pursued a path of intellectual curiosity, social activism, and artistic production. She has been a force of nature and a force for good. She has devoted her life to service. Her contributions to society are numerous, and she continues to inspire those around her.
The breadth of Lola van Wagenen's involvement in environmental, women's, and children's issues, along with her honorary doctorate from Pratt Institute, demonstrate the profound impact she has made. Rickey Gard Diamond and Lola van Wagenen, who married young and found common ground in their passion for history at Goddard College in the early 1980s, serve as examples of how intellectual curiosity can be sparked at any age.
Her story proves that it is possible to leave a lasting legacy, one rooted in compassion, action, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. The details of her private and public lives, her career, and her achievements all combine to create a portrait of a woman who embodies the ideals of a life well-lived. Lola van Wagenens story is a call to action to live a life of purpose, passion, and unwavering dedication to the causes that shape the world.
