Lola Van Wagenen - A Life Beyond The Spotlight
When we think about folks who've really made a mark, sometimes the ones quietly doing good work, away from the brightest lights, are the most interesting. It's almost as if their impact grows because they're not always seeking out the loudest applause. That, you know, is quite often the case with someone like Lola Van Wagenen, whose story offers a lot to think about, especially if you're curious about how a person can contribute in so many different ways.
You might have heard her name in connection with a well-known actor, and that's certainly part of her life's story, but it’s really just a small piece of a much larger picture. Lola, it seems, has carved out a path that goes far beyond any single relationship, showing a deep commitment to things that truly matter. She's spent a good deal of her time championing causes and ideas that aim to make the world a bit better for lots of people.
So, if you're wondering about a person who’s been a historian, a producer, and a passionate voice for important issues, all while maintaining a relatively private presence, then Lola Van Wagenen is someone worth getting to know. Her life, in some respects, appears to be a blend of personal experiences and a strong drive to contribute meaningfully to society, which is pretty cool to consider.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Lola Van Wagenen
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- What Sort of Work Did Lola Van Wagenen Do as an Activist?
- How Did Lola Van Wagenen Contribute to the World of Film?
- What Was Lola Van Wagenen's Family Life Like?
- How Did Lola Van Wagenen Get Involved in Public Service?
- The Early Years of Lola Van Wagenen
- A Look at Lola Van Wagenen's Impact
Biography of Lola Van Wagenen
Lola Van Wagenen, who was born on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, USA, has lived a life that, you know, really shows a good deal of variety and purpose. She's an American historian, someone who looks at the past to help us figure things out about today. Beyond that, she's also known as an activist, which means she gets involved in working for changes she believes in. It's interesting to think about how someone can wear so many different hats, and Lola, it seems, has done just that, quite skillfully.
She has, in a way, made a name for herself not just through her personal connections, but through the actual work she's put into various fields. Her early life, growing up in a Mormon family, probably shaped some of her perspectives and values, which is often the case for people. Later on, she became a consumer activist, which means she stood up for the rights of everyday buyers, making sure they were treated fairly. She also got involved as an environmentalist, showing care for our planet and its natural places.
It's pretty clear that Lola Van Wagenen isn't someone who just sits on the sidelines. Her path has included being an executive producer for several films, which is a big deal in the world of movies. These roles, you know, show a person who is willing to take on different kinds of challenges and contribute in a variety of ways, whether it's through academic study, advocating for causes, or helping bring stories to the screen. She's married now to George Burrill, having previously been married to actor Robert Redford for a good number of years.
Personal Details and Bio Data
For those who like to get a clear picture of someone's background, here are some key facts about Lola Van Wagenen, laid out simply. This, you know, gives a quick look at some of the basic information that helps us understand her journey a little better.
| Full Name | Lola Van Wagenen |
| Birth Date | December 19, 1938 |
| Birth Place | Provo, Utah, USA |
| Occupations | Historian, Activist, Consumer Activist, Environmentalist, Executive Producer |
| Spouses | Robert Redford (formerly), George Burrill (currently) |
| Children | Scott Redford, Shauna Redford, James Redford, Amy Redford |
| Family Background | Born into a Mormon family |
What Sort of Work Did Lola Van Wagenen Do as an Activist?
Lola Van Wagenen really started getting involved with important causes back in the 1970s, which, you know, was a time of a lot of social change. She didn't just stand by; she actually helped create something called Consumer Action Now in 1970. This organization, it seems, was all about making sure that people who buy things had their rights looked after, which is a pretty fundamental idea for anyone using products or services. It shows a commitment to fairness and protecting the average person.
Her work as an activist wasn't just limited to consumer issues, either. She also, quite notably, took on roles that supported women and children. This meant advocating for their well-being and making sure their needs were considered in various settings. It’s a good deal of effort to put into such important areas, and it speaks to her desire to see positive changes in society.
Beyond those areas, Lola also focused on history and the environment. She was, in some respects, someone who believed in preserving our past and protecting our natural world for the future. This broad range of interests, from people's rights to the planet's health, shows a person with a very wide-ranging sense of responsibility. She's been appointed to various national groups and committees that work on these kinds of issues, which suggests her contributions were recognized as valuable.
How Did Lola Van Wagenen Contribute to the World of Film?
While many might know Lola Van Wagenen for her personal connections, her work in film is, you know, a pretty significant part of her story too. She actually took on the role of an executive producer, which means she was involved in bringing movies to life from a big-picture standpoint. This isn't just a small job; it involves a lot of planning and making sure everything comes together for a film project.
Among the films she helped produce, there are a few that stand out. For example, she was involved with "The State of Marriage," which came out in 2015. This kind of project, very often, tackles important social topics, so her involvement there likely reflects her interest in those kinds of discussions. She also worked on "American Experience," a well-known series that looks at different parts of American history, which fits right in with her background as a historian.
Another film she produced was simply called "Mike." The fact that she was involved in these various productions, you know, shows a person who has a hand in storytelling and sharing ideas through a visual medium. It's a different way to contribute to public discourse and understanding, and it adds another layer to her already varied career.
What Was Lola Van Wagenen's Family Life Like?
Lola Van Wagenen's personal life, particularly her family connections, is a really important part of her story. She was married for 27 years to Robert Redford, which is, you know, a very long time for any relationship. During those years, they had four children together: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy Redford. This, you know, paints a picture of a family that grew and developed over nearly three decades.
However, like many families, they also faced some incredibly difficult times. Their son, Scott, sadly passed away from sudden infant death syndrome when he was only two months old. This kind of loss, you know, is something that stays with a family forever and would undoubtedly shape a person's outlook on life in a profound way. It’s a reminder that even people who seem to have a lot going for them experience deep sorrow.
After her marriage to Robert Redford came to an end, Lola, it seems, found happiness again. She is now married to George Burrill. This shows, in a way, a resilience and a willingness to keep moving forward in life, even after significant changes. Her family life, both past and present, gives us a more complete picture of who Lola Van Wagenen is as a person, beyond her public work.
How Did Lola Van Wagenen Get Involved in Public Service?
It appears Lola Van Wagenen's involvement in public service began, quite strongly, in the 1970s. This was a time when many people were thinking about how to make society fairer and more just. She didn't just observe these changes; she became an active part of them. Her decision to help create Consumer Action Now in 1970 is a clear example of her early commitment to public good. That, you know, was a very direct way to help everyday people deal with the marketplace.
Her dedication to public service wasn't just a passing interest; it seems to be a deep-seated part of who she is. She has been asked to join various national organizations and committees, which is a pretty good indicator that her insights and efforts were valued. These groups, very often, work on behalf of really important causes, such as making things better for women and children. It suggests she was seen as someone who could genuinely contribute to these discussions and initiatives.
Beyond that, her focus on history and the environment also falls under the umbrella of public service. As a historian, she contributes to our collective memory and understanding, which is, in some respects, a service to future generations. As an environmentalist, she works to protect shared natural resources. So, her public service is, you know, quite broad, touching on many different aspects of community well-being and societal progress.
The Early Years of Lola Van Wagenen
Lola Van Wagenen's story begins on December 19, 1938, in Provo, Utah, USA. This is where she was born and, you know, where her early life would have unfolded. Growing up in a place like Provo, particularly within a Mormon family, would have shaped many of her initial experiences and perhaps some of her fundamental values. That, you know, is often the case for people's formative years, as their surroundings play a big part in who they become.
While the text doesn't go into extensive detail about her childhood, the fact that she was born into a Mormon family gives us a little glimpse into the kind of community and upbringing she would have had. These early influences, very often, lay the groundwork for a person's later interests and their desire to contribute to the world. It’s a starting point for understanding the woman who would later become a historian, an activist, and a producer.
Her life, from these beginnings, would eventually lead her to engage with significant social issues and to take on roles that had a wider impact. It's pretty clear that her path, even from these early days, was leading her toward a life of purpose and involvement, which is, in a way, quite inspiring to consider.
A Look at Lola Van Wagenen's Impact
When you look at Lola Van Wagenen's varied career, it's pretty clear she's had a good deal of impact in several different areas. As a historian, she helps us make sense of the past, which is, you know, a very important job for any society. Her work in this field likely helps people understand complex events and figures, offering valuable perspectives.
Then there's her activism. Starting in the 1970s, she helped create Consumer Action Now, which was a direct way to stand up for ordinary people. This kind of work, very often, leads to real changes that make daily life better for many. She also put her energy into supporting women and children, and protecting the environment, showing a broad commitment to making things fairer and healthier for everyone.
Her role as an executive producer in films like "The State of Marriage" and "American Experience" also shows her influence in shaping public conversation. These films, you know, can reach a wide audience and spark important discussions about social issues and history. So, whether it's through academic study, advocacy, or storytelling, Lola Van Wagenen has, in some respects, left a notable mark on the world around her.
This article has given a look at Lola Van Wagenen, covering her life as a historian, activist, and producer. We've talked about her family connections, including her marriages and children, and how she got involved in important causes like consumer rights and environmental protection. The piece also touched on her work in film and her early life.
Pictures of Lola Van Wagenen
Pictures of Lola Van Wagenen
Pictures of Lola Van Wagenen
