Jane Fonda is a trailblazing activist, businesswoman, and actress whose impact spans decades. From Hollywood royalty to outspoken advocate, she has continuously reinvented herself while remaining committed to the causes she believes in.
Jane Fonda was the daughter of legendary actor Henry Fonda. After studying acting under Lee Strasberg, she made her film debut in 1960, then quickly rose to stardom with roles in Cat Ballou, Barefoot in the Park, and the sci-fi cult classic Barbarella.
Fonda also proved her dramatic range with critically acclaimed performances in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and Klute, winning her first Academy Award in [year] for the latter and a second in 1978 for Coming Home, a powerful film about life after the Vietnam War.
Off the screen, Fonda has been a fearless activist. She became an outspoken critic of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, famously traveling to Hanoi in 1972 — a move that sparked controversy but solidified her as a leading antiwar activist. Despite the backlash, she remained committed to social justice causes.
In the 1980s, she focused on women’s rights, founding the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, which supports teen reproductive health. More recently, she launched Fire Drill Fridays, a movement demanding climate action, and was arrested multiple times for civil disobedience in Washington, D.C.
Fonda is also known for revolutionizing the fitness industry. Jane Fonda’s Workout was released in 1982 and sparked a nationwide exercise craze. She continued to release workout videos for decades, making fitness training accessible to millions.She has written multiple books, including her 2005 memoir My Life So Far and Prime Time, a guide to aging gracefully. Now in her 80s, Fonda continues to act, inspire, and fight for a better world, proving that reinvention and activism know no age limit.
