10 fun and interesting Jane Fonda facts

1. The Iconic Actress

On December 21, 1937, Jane Fonda was born Lady Jayne Seymour Fonda to the legendary actor Henry Fonda and his wife Frances Ford Seymour. Jane's father was already an established actor at the time, having starred in films such as The Grapes of Wrath and 12 Angry Men. Her mother, Frances, was a socialite and former fashion model. Jane's parents divorced when she was just 10 years old, and she was raised by her father in Los Angeles, California.

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2. Iconic Actress and Activist

In the 1960s, Jane Fonda's acting career skyrocketed with her iconic roles in the cult classic films Barbarella and Cat Ballou. These films propelled her to fame, and she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Her performances in these films earned her critical acclaim and established her as a major star in the industry.

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3. A Career of Accomplishments

Throughout her illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Jane Fonda has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. She has won two Academy Awards, one Emmy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, as well as numerous other movie awards and nominations. Her impressive list of awards and nominations is a testament to her immense talent and dedication to her craft.

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4. Jane Fonda Returns to the Big Screen with Two New Films

After a 15-year hiatus, Jane Fonda returned to the big screen in 2005 with the romantic comedy Monster-in-Law, starring alongside Jennifer Lopez and Michael Vartan. Two years later, she starred in the drama Georgia Rule alongside Lindsay Lohan and Felicity Huffman. Both films were met with critical acclaim, with Fonda's performance in Monster-in-Law earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

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5. Iconic Fitness Leader

Jane Fonda has had a long and successful career in the fitness industry, having produced and featured in over 20 exercise videos between 1982 and 1995, as well as a further one in 2010. Her videos have been hugely popular, helping to revolutionize the home fitness industry and inspiring millions of people to get fit and stay healthy. Jane Fonda's videos have become iconic, and her influence on the fitness industry is still felt today.

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6. Jane Fonda and father Henry Fonda both nominated for Oscars

In 1982, Jane Fonda and her father, Henry Fonda, made history by becoming the first father and daughter pair to both be nominated for an Oscar in the same year. Jane was nominated for her role in the movie On Golden Pond, while Henry was nominated for his role in the movie On Golden Pond. This was a remarkable achievement for the Fonda family, and a testament to their immense talent and dedication to the craft of acting.

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7. A Physical Asset in Her Acting Career

Jane Fonda was born with a rare condition known as double jointedness, which allows her to move her joints beyond the normal range of motion. This condition has enabled her to perform a variety of physical activities, such as yoga and Pilates, with ease and grace. It has also allowed her to take on challenging roles in her acting career, such as her iconic role in the movie 'Barbarella'. Jane Fonda's double jointedness has been a major asset in her life, allowing her to excel in both physical and creative pursuits.

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8. Jane Fonda visits Hanoi and sparks outrage

In 1972, Jane Fonda made a controversial visit to Hanoi during the Vietnam War, earning her the nickname "Hanoi Jane". During her visit, photos were taken of her sitting on an anti-aircraft gun that had been used to shoot down American aircrews. This image sparked outrage among many Americans, and Fonda has since expressed regret for her actions.

9. Activist and Advocate

Jane Fonda has been a passionate advocate for a variety of political causes throughout her life. She famously opposed the Vietnam War, and has since continued to speak out against the Iraq War and violence against women. Her activism has been a major part of her life, and she has used her platform to bring attention to these important issues. She has been a vocal proponent of peace and justice, and her efforts have helped to bring about positive change in the world.

10. Activist and Actress

Jane Fonda is a renowned actress and activist who has dedicated her life to empowering women. In 2005, she co-founded the Women's Media Center, a non-profit organization that works to amplify the voices of women in the media. The organization provides training and resources to female journalists, advocates for gender parity in the media, and works to ensure that women's stories are accurately and fairly represented in the media. Through her work with the Women's Media Center, Jane Fonda has helped to create a more equitable media landscape for women.