Lola Van Wagenen - A Life Of Purpose And Connection
Have you ever considered the fascinating lives lived by individuals who, while connected to public figures, also forge their own remarkable paths? It's pretty interesting, you know, how some people quietly shape important causes and contribute in ways that truly matter. Lola van Wagenen, for instance, is someone whose story extends far beyond a well-known connection, showing a commitment to various important areas. She's a person who has, in some respects, made a noticeable difference in several different fields, building a legacy of her own.
We're talking about a woman whose journey has involved a deep interest in the past, a dedication to standing up for what's right, and a role in creating stories for the screen. It's almost as if her life has been a blend of quiet study and active participation, touching on subjects from preserving historical records to advocating for people and the planet. Her efforts have, you know, spanned a wide spectrum, showing a consistent focus on making things better for others and for future generations.
This article aims to shed some light on the various aspects of Lola van Wagenen's life, pulling back the curtain just a little on her contributions as a historian, an advocate for various groups, and someone involved in film production. We'll explore her personal connections, too, and how those fit into the bigger picture of her impactful work. It's really about appreciating the full scope of a person's life, especially when they've touched so many different parts of society, as she has.
Table of Contents
- A Glimpse into the Life of Lola van Wagenen
- What Kind of Work Did Lola van Wagenen Pursue?
- How Did Lola van Wagenen's Family Connections Shape Her Story?
- What Roles Did Lola van Wagenen Take On in Film?
- Exploring Lola van Wagenen's Contributions as a Historian
- The Advocacy Efforts of Lola van Wagenen - For Whom Did She Speak?
- Was Lola van Wagenen Recognized for Her Public Service?
- Early Life and Beginnings for Lola van Wagenen
A Glimpse into the Life of Lola van Wagenen
Lola van Wagenen, born on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, USA, has, you know, carved out a distinct identity through her work and commitments. She is recognized as an American historian and an individual who champions various causes. Her life story shows a dedication to several significant areas, including history itself, the well-being of consumers, and the protection of our natural surroundings. It's pretty clear she's someone who thinks deeply about societal issues and works to improve them. Her contributions stretch across a good number of fields, showing a broad range of interests and a consistent drive to make a positive mark.
Beyond her public roles, Lola van Wagenen also spent a significant part of her personal life alongside actor Robert Redford. They were married for twenty-seven years, a considerable stretch of time, and during that period, they welcomed four children into their family. This personal connection, in a way, often brought her into the public eye, though her own work stood quite apart. She is also credited as a producer, with a hand in creating several films, which shows another dimension to her professional endeavors. So, she's not just someone known for a personal relationship; she has a career that speaks for itself, too, really.
Her work as a producer includes projects like "The State of Marriage," which came out in 2015, and contributions to "American Experience," a series that began in 1988. She was also involved with "The Mike Douglas..." show, indicating a presence in television as well. These projects, you know, highlight her engagement with media as a way to tell stories or present information. Lola van Wagenen’s path has, basically, been one of diverse engagements, from scholarly pursuits to advocating for change and contributing to the arts. It's a pretty full life, in some respects, marked by various forms of impactful work.
Personal Details and Background for Lola van Wagenen
To provide a clearer picture of Lola van Wagenen, here's a quick look at some key facts about her background:
| Full Name | Lola van Wagenen |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Provo, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Historian, Activist, Producer, Former Spouse of Robert Redford |
| Children | Scott, Shauna, James, Amy Redford |
What Kind of Work Did Lola van Wagenen Pursue?
Lola van Wagenen has been described as both a historian and an activist, which, you know, suggests a dual commitment to understanding the past and actively shaping the present and future. As a historian, her work would typically involve researching, interpreting, and presenting information about past events and societal trends. This kind of effort helps people make sense of where we've been and, in a way, informs where we might be headed. It's a pretty important role, really, providing context for current situations.
Her role as an activist, meanwhile, indicates that she doesn't just study history; she also works to influence public opinion or government policy on issues she cares about. The text tells us she's a consumer activist and an environmentalist. A consumer activist, basically, stands up for the rights and interests of people who buy goods and services, making sure they are treated fairly and have access to safe products. This involves, perhaps, advocating for clearer labeling or for regulations that protect buyers from harmful practices. It’s about ensuring fairness in the marketplace, which is a big deal for many people.
As an environmentalist, Lola van Wagenen would be concerned with protecting the natural world. This could involve supporting efforts to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, or address issues like climate change. It’s about, you know, trying to make sure our planet stays healthy for everyone, now and in the future. So, her work in these areas shows a person who is deeply invested in the well-being of both people and the planet, which, in some respects, is a pretty admirable stance to take. She's clearly someone who puts her beliefs into action, you see.
How Did Lola van Wagenen's Family Connections Shape Her Story?
Lola van Wagenen’s personal story is, you know, certainly intertwined with her long marriage to Robert Redford. They were, in fact, college sweethearts, meeting while both attending the University of Colorado. This kind of beginning, meeting during college years, suggests a shared period of growth and learning before their marriage, which happened shortly after they finished their studies. A relationship that starts this way, so early on, often forms a very deep bond, and theirs lasted for twenty-seven years, which is a considerable length of time for any partnership, really.
During their marriage, Lola van Wagenen and Robert Redford had four children together: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy. The experience of raising a family, especially four children, is a significant part of anyone's life, bringing both immense joy and, as is often the case, profound challenges. It’s pretty clear that these family ties would have been a central part of her daily existence for many years. The text also mentions a heartbreaking loss: Scott, their son, died from sudden infant death syndrome at only two months old. This kind of tragedy, losing a child so young, is an experience that, basically, reshapes a family's life in ways that are hard to put into words. It’s a very, very difficult thing to go through, and it’s part of her story, too.
Her identity as the wife of a well-known actor, Robert Redford, naturally brought a certain level of public attention to Lola van Wagenen. However, it’s important to remember that, as the information shows, she also cultivated her own professional life and made her own contributions, quite apart from that connection. So, while her family life was a very important aspect of her story, it was just one part of a broader, more active engagement with the world. She was, in some respects, building her own path even while being part of a public family, you know.
What Roles Did Lola van Wagenen Take On in Film?
Beyond her work as a historian and an activist, Lola van Wagenen also stepped into the world of film production. She held the role of an executive producer, which, basically, means she was involved in overseeing the creation of several films. An executive producer often plays a key part in getting a movie made, from securing funding to managing the overall creative and business aspects. It’s a position that requires, you know, a blend of creative vision and practical management skills, really.
The information mentions that she produced several films, and specifically names a few of them. One film she is known for is "The State of Marriage," which was released in 2015. This suggests an interest in contemporary social issues, as the title itself hints at a focus on the institution of marriage, perhaps in a changing social landscape. She was also involved with "American Experience," a documentary series that has been running since 1988. This particular project would align well with her background as a historian, as "American Experience" is known for exploring various aspects of American history and culture. It’s pretty clear she found ways to combine her interests, in a way.
Additionally, Lola van Wagenen was connected to "The Mike Douglas..." show, which indicates her involvement extended to television, too. While the full title isn't provided, the mention suggests a role in a different kind of media production, perhaps a talk show or a variety program. These production credits show a versatile individual who could contribute to different types of storytelling, from feature films to long-running television series. It’s a pretty diverse set of experiences, you know, for someone who also has a strong background in academic and advocacy work.
Exploring Lola van Wagenen's Contributions as a Historian
Lola van Wagenen is, first and foremost, identified as an American historian. This title suggests a person dedicated to the systematic study and interpretation of the past. The work of a historian typically involves extensive research, often poring over old documents, letters, and records to piece together events and trends. It’s a bit like being a detective for the past, you know, trying to understand what happened and why. This kind of scholarly pursuit requires a good deal of patience and a keen eye for detail, really.
Her being a historian means she likely spent time delving into archives, reading academic texts, and perhaps even writing her own works to contribute to our collective understanding of history. The field of history is pretty vast, covering everything from specific periods and regions to broader social movements. While the text doesn't specify her particular area of historical focus, her involvement with "American Experience" hints at an interest in the historical narratives of the United States. That series, basically, brings historical events and figures to life for a wider audience, which is a significant way for a historian to share their insights. So, she's not just studying history; she's helping to present it, too.
The fact that she is recognized as a historian indicates that her efforts in this area are considered noteworthy. This could mean she has published works, presented at conferences, or otherwise contributed to the academic discussion of historical topics. It's about building a body of knowledge and helping others learn from what came before. Her historical work, in some respects, provides a foundation for her other roles, especially her activism, as understanding the past often helps in addressing present-day challenges. It’s a very foundational kind of work, you know, pretty much informing everything else.
The Advocacy Efforts of Lola van Wagenen - For Whom Did She Speak?
As an activist, Lola van Wagenen has dedicated her efforts to supporting several important causes. The information provided highlights her work on behalf of women, children, history, and the environment. This pretty broad range of interests shows a deep commitment to societal well-being and, in a way, a recognition of how different issues are often connected. It’s not just one cause; it’s a collection of areas where she felt she could make a positive impact, you see.
Working on behalf of women could involve advocating for equal opportunities, addressing issues of fairness, or supporting initiatives that improve women's lives. For children, her efforts might focus on their health, education, or protection from harm. These are, basically, fundamental areas of human well-being, and her involvement suggests a strong sense of social responsibility. It's about trying to create a better world for the most vulnerable members of society, which is a very, very meaningful pursuit.
Her advocacy for history ties back to her role as a historian, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical records and ensuring that past lessons are not forgotten. This could involve supporting historical societies, funding preservation projects, or promoting historical education. And, of course, her work for the environment speaks to her concern for the planet's health and sustainability. This might mean supporting conservation efforts, pushing for cleaner energy, or raising awareness about ecological issues. Lola van Wagenen’s appointments to national organizations and committees in these areas further underscore her active participation and leadership in these fields. She's not just talking about these issues; she's actually putting in the work, you know.
Was Lola van Wagenen Recognized for Her Public Service?
The text indicates that Lola van Wagenen has been appointed to a variety of national organizations and committees. This detail suggests that her contributions and expertise were recognized at a significant level, leading to her involvement in groups that operate on a broader scale. Being appointed to such bodies usually means that her peers and other influential figures saw her as someone capable of contributing to important discussions and decisions. It’s a pretty clear sign of respect for her work and her insights, really.
These appointments would have given her a platform to further her advocacy for women, children, history, and the environment. Participating in national organizations means engaging with policy-makers, experts, and other advocates to bring about change or to shape public initiatives. It’s a way of influencing things from a more systemic level, you know, rather than just individual actions. Her serving on these committees shows a consistent engagement with issues that affect many people across the country, which, in some respects, is a very impactful way to contribute to society.
While the specific roles or achievements within these appointments are not detailed in the provided information, the mere fact of these appointments speaks volumes about her standing and commitment. It suggests a person who is not only knowledgeable but also trusted to represent important causes. This kind of public service, basically, highlights a life dedicated to making a difference beyond personal interests, showing a broader concern for collective well-being. She was, in a way, lending her voice and her efforts to causes that truly matter, you see.
Early Life and Beginnings for Lola van Wagenen
Lola van Wagenen's journey began on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, USA. Her birth in this specific location gives us a starting point for her life story, rooted in a particular part of the American landscape. Like anyone, her early years would have laid the groundwork for the person she would become, shaping her interests and values. It’s pretty typical for our beginnings to influence our later paths, and hers started in a specific place and time, you know.
The information also tells us that she met Robert Redford while they were both attending the University of Colorado. This period of her life, her college years, would have been a time of significant personal and intellectual growth. Meeting her future husband during this time suggests a shared experience of education and perhaps a similar outlook on life that drew them together. College is, basically, a place where many people find their direction and form lasting connections, and it seems that was true for her, too, really.
Their marriage shortly after graduation further emphasizes this period as a formative one. It suggests a commitment made early in their adult lives, marking the beginning of a long personal chapter. These early life details, while brief, provide a foundational understanding of Lola van Wagenen, showing where she came from and some of the key experiences that shaped her personal journey before her more public contributions as a historian, activist, and producer became known. It’s almost as if these early steps set the stage for all that was to follow, in some respects.
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Lola Van Wagenen Bio, Age, Facts, Childhood Husband | Robert Redford
