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Robert Redford was not only one of the formative actors of the 20th century, but also a man who always avoided the spotlight as soon as the cameras fell silent. The fact that he finally gave his heart to a German was only known to many – their story is more than a romantic footnote in the life of a world star.
Sibylle Szaggar’s Redford’s partner has been his wife for almost three decades.
The native of Hamburg, daughter of an innkeeper, found her way to art on a detour: After training in the hotel, she led her path to London in the 1980s, where she was as an imaging artist. At that time she met Robert Redford. First as artistically like -minded, for many years as a close girlfriend.
Encounter in Sundance
Redford, who lovingly called Szaggar’s “Billy”, was fascinated by her artistic examination of nature and spirituality. In particular, their works, inspired by the culture of the native-American tribe of the Hopi, found his respect. The connection between the two grew over the years – borne by common values. And a remarkable reluctance to the public.
In 1996, both met again-by chance, according to the legend, at a ski lift in Redford’s Sundance resort in Utah. There, “in the shadow of the snowy mountains”, a relationship began that was never loud, but deeply constant, as US Boulevard media want to know.
In 2009 the couple married in Hamburg – in a small circle, far from Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip. About 25 close friends and family members were present when Pastor Frank Engelbrecht gave the couple the blessing. The decision to marry in Germany was important Redford: a sign of connection with his wife’s home.
A wedding without glamor
The NDR interviewed the church man. According to the motto: “You dared a world star. How did it come about?”:
Angelbrecht I knew Sibylle Szaggar quite well. “Her father lived next to the Katharinen Church and was dying. I was called, we met more often, and I designed the funeral service. Years later, Sibyll no longer lived in Hamburg, called her niece and asked if I would take on the wedding. I had a lot to do, my wife asked if we had time-she said:” Of course you have time! ” It was not a star wedding, but a very personal celebration of your love. (…) The wedding took place in a hotel in Nienstedten, without any press ”. At least at first.
In the garden of the historic Prince-Bismarck-Mühle in Aumühle on the edge of Hamburg, they planted a tree together: a linden tree, symbol of resistance and love. It is still standing today.
Both shared a passion for environmental protection and in 2015 founded the organization “The Way of the Rain” to promote awareness of the protection of the earth. In 2015 they were awarded the “Prince Rainier III Award” in Monaco. In 2018 they received recognition from the influential US fundraising organization “Smith Nature Symposium & Benefit”.
Love and legacy
After Redford’s death at the age of 89, not only his cinematic heritage remains. The silent but powerful connection to Sibylle Szaggar is also part of his life story. A love story without flashing lights and Insta-glamor.