Jane Fonda

ABOUT

Jane Fonda, born on December 21, 1937, in New York City, is an American actress, political activist, environmentalist, and former fashion model. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Fonda has established herself as one of Hollywood's enduring stars. Her talent and versatility have earned her two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and a plethora of other accolades.

Beyond her film career, Fonda is widely known for her outspoken activism, particularly during the Vietnam War, which earned her both praise and controversy. She's also a passionate advocate for numerous social issues including feminism, civil rights, and environmentalism.

BEFORE FAME

Jane Fonda grew up in a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of actor Henry Fonda and Canadian-born socialite Frances Ford Seymour. Despite her privileged upbringing, Fonda's childhood was marred by tragedy; her mother committed suicide when Jane was only 12 years old.

Before she captured the world’s attention as an actress, Jane Fonda attended Vassar College but left to study art in Paris. Upon returning to the United States, she joined the Actors Studio in New York, where her career began in earnest. Fonda made her Broadway debut in the play "There Was a Little Girl" in 1960, and her film debut followed shortly after in "Tall Story" (1960).

TRIVIA

• Jane Fonda starred in the critically acclaimed film “Klute” (1971), for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
• She revitalized her career again in the 1980s with a series of successful exercise videos, pioneering the fitness video industry.
• Fonda was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and famously visited North Vietnam in 1972, earning her the controversial nickname “Hanoi Jane."
• In 2005, she released her autobiography, "My Life So Far," which details her life, career, and activism.
• She has been arrested multiple times for her protests, most recently in 2019, during climate change demonstrations.

FAMILY LIFE

Jane Fonda's personal life has been as eventful as her professional one. She has been married three times. Her first marriage was to French film director Roger Vadim, with whom she has a daughter, Vanessa Vadim. Her second marriage was to activist Tom Hayden, and they had a son together, Troy Garity. Her third marriage was to media mogul Ted Turner, from whom she divorced in 2001.

Fonda is also a grandmother and often speaks about the importance of family and legacy, a theme that prominently features in many of her personal and public endeavors.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Jane Fonda has worked with a host of influential figures in the entertainment industry and beyond. In her acting career, she has starred alongside icons like Robert Redford in "Barefoot in the Park" (1967) and Donald Sutherland in "Klute."

She remains a significant figure in Hollywood, frequently collaborating with contemporary stars while continuing to engage in activism. Fonda co-founded the Women's Media Center with fellow activists Gloria Steinem and Robin Morgan, emphasizing her commitment to amplifying women's voices in media.

Jane Fonda's remarkable career and life continue to inspire people worldwide, cementing her legacy as not just an actress but a changemaker and a formidable voice for justice.