Jane Seymour Fonda was born on December 21, 1937 in New York City to Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour Brokaw. Jane’s parents were highly recognized in the public eye at that time, as her father was a legendary actor and mother was a New York socialite. Her childhood was normal except she was subjected to the limelight at an early age. The first production featuring Jane was “The Country Girl;” she was acting with her father by her side. In 1958, she joined the Actors Studio and debuted in the production “Tall Story” in 1960. She briefly attended Vassar College, then her film career started to take off and soon enough she was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and Oscars.
The Vietnam War took Jane Fonda‘s career to another level. The actress was very outspoken about her views on the war. She went on tour to cities along the West Coast to interview soldiers before they were deployed. The American public was upset with Fonda when photos surfaced of her on an anti-aircraft battery surrounded by Vietnamese soldiers. After the Vietnam War, Jane apologized to veterans and others who were upset by the photo.
During the 1980s, Jane found a new calling: exercise videos. As a child, she took ballet classes, then in her adult life she would do ballet to stay fit. However, a foot injury during the filming of “The China Syndrome” she had to find a new workout. Jane started aerobic and strengthening exercises, and wanted to share her new exercises with other baby boomers approaching middle age.
In 1982 she released her first exercise video, “Jane Fonda’s Workout,” inspired by her bestselling book “Jane Fonda’s Workout Book.” She went on to publish 23 workout videos, 5 workout books, and 13 audio programs until 1995.
After a hiatus from the entertainment industry, Jane returned in 2005 starring in “Monster-in-Law” and released her book “My Life So Far.” Jane’s 21st century film career features 2024’s “Georgia Rule,” this year’s “Peace, Love, and Misunderstanding”, in which she will be starring as Nancy Reagon. In 2024 Fonda released Prime Time: Making the Most of Your Life, a book giving advice about life to the older generation.
Jane’s personal life has been a bit of a roller coaster. She has three children, Troy Garity, Vanessa Vadim, and Mary Luana Williams. Her first child Vanessa was with first husband Roger Vadim whom she married in 1965 and divorced in 1973. That same year she married Tom Hayden and had son Troy Garity, then adopted Mary Luana Williams. After 16 years together Jane and Tom divorced. Fonda married Ted Turner in 1991 and then divorced in 2001. Jane and Ted remain friends and she still spends time with his daughter.
Now in her mid-70s, Jane Fonda is enjoying life with her children, grandchildren, and working on various projects in Hollywood. Jane’s website offers tips on relationships, recipes, and health and fitness. Aside from being an award-winning actress, Jane’s expertise in fitness and health has helped her win over a variety of audiences for decades.
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