Jane Fonda chats to us...
1 How did the name Fonda shape your life?
It shaped half my life. The other half was shaped by Seymour, my mother’s name. But of the two, Fonda’s shape was more defining because my father – his presence, his values and DNA – was the stronger of the two names. If my father hadn’t been a film and theatre star, it would never have occurred to me to become an actor as I was shy and felt ugly.
2 What role has stood out the most for you?
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and Klute were turning points for me. On Golden Pond was special because I got to work with my father.
3 Who has been your favourite co-star?
Lily Tomlin because of her brilliance, her generosity as a performer and because she’s such fun to be around. I think audiences can sense this when they watch Grace and Frankie.
4 Do you wish the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements were around when you started out in Hollywood?
Yes. Back then it never would have occurred to young actresses that being assaulted or harassed sexually was a transgression you could do something about.
5 According to comedian Tim Minchin, we will all experience 15 minutes of shame. Any advice for surviving notoriety?
Far more than 15 minutes of shame. But instead of wallowing in the shame or blaming others, we need to own the mistakes that have led to our shame and try to avoid making them again.
6 As an activist, how do you choose the causes that you lend your voice to?
Being an activist and using my celebrity to help give a voice to the voiceless is central to my life and who I am. My activism has made me a better actor – acting is a profession of empathy, and so is activism. I join forces with causes that are addressing critical issues of our time: the destruction of the planet and violence against women. Patriarchy is what those two things have in common: the belief that men, white men in particular, have the right to dominate, not just women but nature and those who are different (such as people of colour and refugees). If we can eliminate this gendered hierarchy, we will achieve true democracy and put a halt to war and planetary destruction.
7 How did motherhood change you? Motherhood makes a woman expand her parameters to include this other human being. You look at the future differently, use your time differently and your relationship to sleep changes.
8 You retired at 50, but 15 years later you came back to Hollywood. What made you want to come back?
The real question is why I left. I was unhappy with myself. I was going through perimenopause – though I didn’t realise it at the time – saw no future for myself and shut down creatively. I was going to move to New Mexico and become an environmentalist, but I fell in love with Ted Turner, who I was married to for 10 years. Then I spent five years writing my memoir, My Life So Far, and by the time I’d finished the book I felt differently about myself, my life and my future. I realised I could find joy again in acting.
9 What lesson do you wish you’d learnt earlier in life?
How to be a better parent, among many others. I am a late starter.
10 What kind of feedback do you get from Grace and Frankie fans?
Lily and I hear from women that the show gives them hope and helps them through the dark times. I’ve been told it has saved a few from suicide. The feedback makes us very happy and grateful.
11 The show tackles ageism; how have you navigated ageism in Hollywood?
I’ve tried to stay healthy and fit, and maintain a good attitude and good posture. Plastic surgery only goes so far if these things are lacking.
12 You told The New Yorker: ‘It was hard for me to start to understand women and love women, and make friends with women.’ Who are some of the most significant women in your life, and how have they changed your view of women?
Prior to becoming a mother, this was true. I was much closer to men. Because of what happened to my mother [she committed suicide], I grew up feeling women were weak and didn’t want to identify with weakness. Motherhood and the women’s movement changed me. They showed me how strong and empathic women are and it changed my life. The women who have impacted me are not famous.
13 In Book Club and Grace and Frankie, your characters deal a lot with older female sexuality. Why do you think it’s important to show that on screen?
I show it on screen because I’m an actor. I try to also show it when I write and speak in public. This is not because women need to remain sexually active as they age, but because younger people and men shouldn’t assume that we’ve given sex and sensuality up just because we’re ageing.
14 Any tips on keeping fit?
Stay active in whatever way suits you most – walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, hiking. Stretch and maintain muscle mass. The older you get, the more important this is. The mantra with age has to be ‘go slow’. Moving fast will get you hurt. I work out daily… very slowly and deliberately.
15 Which question are you most tired of answering?
Who is the best kisser among my male co-stars? [We tried to sneak that one in!]
16 What is the hardest part about getting older?
Falling down.
17 What’s next for you – anything you’ve always wanted to do that you haven’t got to do yet?
One day at a time! [I just try to] be grateful for every day.