Robert Redford Reportedly Never Really Recovered From Losing His Son: 'It Took A Toll On Him'

New details about Robert Redford's life have emerged a day after his heartbreaking passing. 

The Hollywood veteran took his final breath on Tuesday, September 16, surrounded by loved ones in a place he held dearly. Locals from Tiburon, California, where the actor previously resided, shared insights into the kind of man he was and how he spent his days.

One resident claimed Robert Redford never healed from the passing of his third eldest child, James Redford. The "Barefoot in the Park" star welcomed four children with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, but tragically lost two sons.

A waiter at a bayside restaurant in Tiburon reflected on their experience with Robert during his stay in the coastal town. They claimed James' death was never far from his mind despite his vibrant personality and generous nature.

"There was an intense sadness to him after his son died a few years ago…Bob talked about how much he missed his son; it was a heartbreaking thing for him," the waiter claimed. They explained that losing James felt like Robert had lost a part of himself.

The waiter, per The Daily Mail, added, "It was hard for him to live without his boy. It took a toll on him to see his son die like that." Although Robert never stopped mourning James' passing, it did not prevent him from cherishing the time he had with others.

The waiter noted that Robert's time in Tiburon was filled with good memories, noting he was affectionately known as "Bob" in the area. They claimed many were saddened by his death because the actor was not only a good man but someone who brought joy to everyone he met.

Another local echoed similar sentiments, claiming that seeing Robert around town was "a great highlight" of their day. They claimed he was always friendly and enjoyed taking walks around Tiburon while greeting locals with a warm smile and a wave.

"In Tiburon, no one asks for autographs or photos; that just does not happen, but they do say hello," the local explained. An acquaintance of Robert revealed he "was a real nature lover type," who frequently walked the trails and could name all the plants on the path.

Robert welcomed four children during his first marriage: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy Redford. His firstborn, Scott, tragically died at 2 ½ months old in November 1959 from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The entertainer opened up about the devastating loss in a 2017 interview, per PEOPLE, revealing he was 21 when it happened while his then-wife was 20. Robert confessed that he was not equipped to deal with such a traumatic experience at a young age.

"Something like that doesn't get completely dismissed. It probably shows up in various small ways you're not even aware of," Robert said. He noted he tried to process the trauma through therapy, but it didn't help as he found himself "trying to psychoanalyze the analyst."

Robert's second son, James, was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis as an adult. The condition affected his liver and bile ducts, leading to two liver transplants in 1993 that inspired the creation of the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness.

James' battle with primary sclerosing cholangitis also influenced the documentary, "The Kindness of Strangers," centered around organ donors and recipients. Unfortunately, the entertainment icon's second son died in October 2020 at 58.

His wife, Kyle, confirmed the news on X, revealing James died from bile-duct cancer in his liver. She explained that his liver disease returned in 2018, while the cancer was discovered in November 2019, amid his hope for another liver transplant. 

Robert's passing on September 16 was confirmed in a statement by Cindi Berger, chairman and CEO of Rogers & Cowan PMK. She announced he "passed away at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree was born in Santa Monica, California, and briefly lived in Tiburon. However, he found his true home in Utah, once describing it as the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.

Robert's journey to leaving a legacy in Utah began three years after his first marriage, when he purchased two acres of land in Provo Canyon in 1961. His love for the area deepened in 1969 when he stopped investors from building a string of condominiums at a famous ski resort.

Instead, Robert purchased the Timp Haven ski resort in the Wasatch Mountains and renamed it the Sundance Mountain Resort after his character in the movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." He later sold the property to Broadreach Capital Partners and Cedar Capital Partners in 2020.

Rest in peace, Robert Redford!