Robert Redford's Heartbreak: The Story Of Scott Anthony Redford
Could a life so brief truly cast a long shadow? The story of Scott Anthony Redford, born on September 1, 1959, and tragically taken too soon, is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the profound impact a single life can have, even in its shortest form.
The annals of Hollywood often chronicle tales of triumph, of glittering careers and enduring legacies. Yet, behind the dazzling lights and the accolades, lie stories of profound human experience stories of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. One such story, etched with both joy and sorrow, revolves around the life of Scott Anthony Redford, the firstborn son of the iconic actor Robert Redford and his wife, Lola Van Wagenen. Born on a late summer day in 1959, Scotts arrival was a moment of immense happiness for the young couple. The world held the promise of a bright future, a life brimming with possibilities, for both the child and the parents. The excitement of new parenthood mingled with the burgeoning career of Robert Redford, who was just beginning to establish himself as a prominent figure in the world of cinema.
The couple, married in 1958, were eager to embrace parenthood. As fate would have it, their joy was short-lived. On November 17, 1959, just two and a half months after his birth, Scott Anthony Redford succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The family was plunged into a grief that would forever shape their lives. The loss of a child is an event that defies comprehension, a wound that never fully heals. For Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen, it was a tragedy that irrevocably altered the course of their familys narrative. The news of the infant's death, reported as occurring on a Tuesday night due to a virus infection, sent ripples of sorrow through their circles and cast a pall over the burgeoning promise of Redford's career.
| Full Name | Scott Anthony Redford |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1959 |
| Date of Death | November 17, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Parents | Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen |
| Siblings | Jamie Redford, Shauna Redford, Amy Redford |
| Cause of Death | Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) |
| Burial Place | Provo City Cemetery, Provo, Utah |
| Known For | The firstborn son of Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen. His short life continues to be a legacy, the memory imparting lessons and how his brief presence impacted his family. |
| Reference | IMDB - Robert Redford |
The tragedy of Scotts passing is further underscored by the context of his parents lives. Robert Redford, on the cusp of Hollywood stardom, was building a career that would define an era. His filmography would come to include some of the most celebrated and culturally significant films of all time, solidifying his place as a cinematic icon. Lola Van Wagenen, a historian with a passion for education, provided a foundation of intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning, nurturing the family's values. The contrast between the vibrant future that lay ahead for Redford and the sudden, devastating loss of his son highlights the capricious nature of life and the fragility of human existence.
The impact of Scotts passing extended beyond the immediate family. The news resonated within the film community and beyond, reminding everyone of the shared human experience of grief. In a world that often celebrates success and achievement, Scotts story served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability inherent in the human condition. The experience of loss, the raw emotion of bereavement, transcended the boundaries of fame and fortune, connecting the Redford family with the universal pain of those who have experienced similar tragedies.
The short life of Scott Anthony Redford is a story of the cruel brevity that can mark human experience. The details of his birth, the joy of his parents, the heartbreaking tragedy of his death all combine to form a narrative of profound sorrow. His untimely demise from SIDS at just over two months old, serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges that many young families face. The fact that he died from sudden infant death syndrome, at only a month old, is especially poignant, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of his passing.
The events surrounding Scotts life and death, though tragic, also offer valuable insights into the human experience. The way in which Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen dealt with their grief is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Their ability to navigate the immense pain, while also maintaining the strength to continue with their careers and raise their other children, speaks to an inner fortitude. The subsequent family, including Jamie, Shauna and Amy, grew with a shadow of this loss, a bond forged in both love and understanding.
Scott's life, even in its brevity, became a part of the Redford family legacy. The details of his life are embedded in their family history, a story retold over time, a memory that continues to shape their relationships and perspective. His presence, though fleeting, left an indelible mark. In many ways, the life and death of Scott Anthony Redford serve as a reminder of the fundamental human experiences that connect us all. The loss of a child, the resulting grief, and the enduring love that persists in the face of tragedy are emotions that transcend all boundaries. The story reminds us of the importance of cherishing every moment, of appreciating the people in our lives, and of the power of memory to keep loved ones alive in our hearts.
The impact of Scott's passing extends beyond the personal, touching on themes of public remembrance. Buried in the Provo City Cemetery in Provo, Utah, he lies in a place that honors those taken too soon, a physical reminder of the fragility of life. The act of memorializing his life, through his burial and through the ongoing remembrance within his family, speaks to the human need to find meaning in tragedy, to create a lasting legacy even from the shortest of lives.
The profound effect of losing a child has undoubtedly influenced Robert Redford's perspective. Though his career has been characterized by its accomplishments and accolades including a Cecil B. Demille Award, a British Academy Film Award, multiple Golden Globe Awards, Academy Award nominations, and an Academy Award the pain of Scotts passing would remain a silent heartache. The impact of such a loss is a poignant testament to the idea that even the most successful lives are not immune to suffering and that the essence of humanity lies not just in achievement but in the capacity to experience, and to endure.
The narrative of Scott Anthony Redford also intersects with broader discussions about health and infant mortality. His passing, attributed to SIDS, falls within a context of medical research, public health awareness, and ongoing efforts to understand and prevent this devastating condition. While SIDS remains a complex and challenging issue, the attention it has garnered has contributed to improved research and to awareness campaigns aimed at helping other families avoid the tragedy of losing a child.
The legacy of Scott Anthony Redford, though marked by loss, continues to resonate. The circumstances of his birth, his brief time on earth, and the enduring impact on his family offer a window into the shared human experience. His existence serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing life, of embracing love, and of finding meaning and purpose in even the most difficult of circumstances. The sorrow surrounding his passing, while ever-present, does not eclipse the joy of his memory. Scott Anthony Redford, born on September 1, 1959, will forever remain an integral part of the Redford family history, a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. His brief existence serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of life, the fragility of existence, and the importance of treasuring every moment.
The tale of Scott Anthony Redford also opens up the discussion of the broader impact on the Redford family. Robert Redford would, of course, go on to have a long and successful career, building a multifaceted image in Hollywood, yet his personal life, as seen in the context of the loss of his firstborn child, reveals another dimension. His ability to raise a family while remaining one of the ideal stars of Hollywood underlines how such experiences often shape the course of our lives. The fact that he was struggling with alcoholism at the time brings in another element of understanding for the difficulties of the period.
The history of Robert Redford, and the story of his son Scott, is also entwined with the broader social contexts of their time. The late 1950s and early 1960s were periods of significant cultural and social change in the United States. The world was on the cusp of defining moments in history, and the Redford family, like any other, was shaped by its environment. Scotts brief existence, in this context, serves as a reminder of the lives lived in the shadow of this ever-changing societal environment.
In summary, the story of Scott Anthony Redford is a tale of both joy and profound sorrow. Born on September 1, 1959, he was the firstborn child of Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen. His life was tragically cut short on November 17, 1959, due to SIDS. His passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, the enduring power of family, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Scotts memory lives on, forever woven into the fabric of the Redford family history, a testament to a life that, though short, left an indelible mark.
