Career Timeline of Jane Fonda: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jane Fonda made an impact.
Jane Fonda is a highly acclaimed American actress and activist with a career spanning over seven decades. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Additionally, she has been nominated for a Grammy Award and two Tony Awards. Fonda's contributions have been recognized with honorary awards such as the Honorary Palme d'Or, the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
1958: Meeting Lee Strasberg
In 1958, Jane Fonda met Lee Strasberg, which significantly impacted her life and career. He told her she had real talent, marking a turning point in her life.
1960: Film career in the 1960s
In 1960, Jane Fonda began her film career in the 1960s, with Tall Story.
1960: Acting and Screen Debut
In 1960, Jane Fonda made her acting debut in the Broadway play "There Was a Little Girl", earning a Tony Award nomination. She also made her screen debut the same year in the romantic comedy "Tall Story".
1962: Period of Adjustment and Walk on the Wild Side
In 1962, Jane Fonda appeared in Period of Adjustment and Walk on the Wild Side.
1962: Stardom in Period of Adjustment
In 1962, Jane Fonda rose to prominence with her role in the comedy "Period of Adjustment".
1963: Starring in Sunday in New York
In 1963, Jane Fonda starred in the comedy film "Sunday in New York", further establishing her as a talented young actress.
1963: Broadway before 33 variations
Jane Fonda's last broadway show was in 1963 before "33 variations" in 2009.
1964: Films in France
In 1964, Jane Fonda appeared in Joy House and Circle of Love, which were made in France. She became one of the first American film stars to appear nude in a foreign movie.
1965: Breakthrough with Cat Ballou
In 1965, Jane Fonda had a career breakthrough with Cat Ballou, which was a commercial success and received several Oscar nominations.
1967: Co-starring in Barefoot in the Park
In 1967, Jane Fonda co-starred with Robert Redford in the comedy Barefoot in the Park.
1968: Starring in Barbarella
In 1968, Jane Fonda starred in "Barbarella", directed by her first husband, Roger Vadim.
1969: Critical Acclaim for They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
In 1969, Jane Fonda starred in They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, receiving critical acclaim and her first Academy Awards nomination. She also won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress.
1969: Support of Alcatraz Occupation
In 1969, Jane Fonda, along with other celebrities, supported the Occupation of Alcatraz Island by the American Indian Movement, which was intended to call attention to the failures of the government with regard to treaty rights and the movement for greater Indigenous sovereignty.
1970: Anti-war rally appearance
In 1970, Jane Fonda was photographed at an anti-war rally that John Kerry also attended. This photo was later used during the 2004 election to disparage Kerry.
1970: Support for Native Americans at Fort Lawton
In 1970, Jane Fonda went to Seattle to support a group of Native Americans led by Bernie Whitebear who had occupied part of Fort Lawton, which was being turned into a park. They aimed to secure a land base for services for the local urban Indian population. This led to the construction of the Daybreak Star Cultural Center.
February 1971: Playboy Ad in Support of the VVAW
In February 1971, as part of a settlement of a lawsuit Jane Fonda filed against Playboy in 1966, Playboy published a full-page ad in support of the VVAW.
1971: Won Academy Award for Best Actress in Klute
In 1971, Jane Fonda won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Bree Daniels in Klute.
1971: Reference to Bree in Klute
In 1971, Jane Fonda's performance in "Klute" as Bree was mentioned as similar to her performance in "The Morning After".
1971: Formation of the FTA Tour
In 1971, Jane Fonda, Fred Gardner, and Donald Sutherland formed the FTA tour, an antiwar road show, to establish dialogue with soldiers about their deployments to Vietnam.
1972: Trip to North Vietnam
During a 60 Minutes interview on March 31, 2005, Jane Fonda reiterated that she had no regrets about her trip to North Vietnam in 1972, with the exception of the anti-aircraft-gun photo. She stated that the incident was a "betrayal" of American forces and of the "country that gave me privilege".
1972: Tout Va Bien
In 1972, Jane Fonda appeared in the french movie "Tout Va Bien".
1972: Funding of Indochina Peace Campaign
In 1972, Jane Fonda helped fund and organize the Indochina Peace Campaign, which continued to mobilize antiwar activists in the US after the 1973 Paris Peace Agreement.
1972: Starring in Tout Va Bien and Feminist Activism
In 1972, Jane Fonda starred in Tout Va Bien and Letter to Jane. She also participated in a feminist march in Rome, Italy.
1972: Release of F.T.A. Movie
In 1972, the dialogue from the FTA tour was made into a movie called F.T.A., containing criticism of the war by servicemembers.
1973: Appearing in A Doll's House
In 1973, Jane Fonda appeared in A Doll's House, receiving praise for her performance as Nora Helmer.
1973: Mobilizing Antiwar Activists
In 1973, The Indochina Peace Campaign, funded by Jane Fonda, continued to mobilize antiwar activists in the US after the Paris Peace Agreement.
1976: Appearing in Steelyard Blues and The Blue Bird
In 1976, Jane Fonda appeared in Steelyard Blues and The Blue Bird.
1977: Starring in Fun with Dick and Jane
In 1977, Jane Fonda starred in Fun with Dick and Jane after a period of less successful films.
1977: Fun with Dick and Jane and Julia
In 1977, Jane Fonda starred in the comedy film "Fun with Dick and Jane", which is considered her comeback picture. Also in 1977, she portrayed Lillian Hellman in "Julia", receiving positive reviews and winning awards.
1977: Oscar Nomination for Julia
In 1977, Jane Fonda was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in "Julia", and also starred in "Fun with Dick and Jane".
1978: Campaign for Economic Democracy Founded
In 1978, Jane Fonda founded the Campaign for Economic Democracy, a California lobbying organization, with her second husband Tom Hayden, using proceeds from her exercise videos and books.
1978: Second Academy Award and other roles
In 1978, Jane Fonda won her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Coming Home". Also in 1978, she starred in "Comes a Horseman" and had a supporting role in "California Suite".
1979: Oscar Nomination for The China Syndrome and The Electric Horseman
In 1979, Jane Fonda received an Oscar nomination for her role in "The China Syndrome", and also starred in "The Electric Horseman".
1979: The China Syndrome and The Electric Horseman
In 1979, Jane Fonda won her second BAFTA Award for Best Actress for "The China Syndrome". Also in 1979, she starred in "The Electric Horseman" with Robert Redford.
1979: Fonda speaks on LGBTQ+ discrimination
In 1979, during the White Night Riots in San Francisco after the assassination of Harvey Milk, Jane Fonda appeared in a video interview where she spoke about the discrimination faced by the gay community.
1980: 9 to 5 and On Golden Pond
In 1980, Jane Fonda starred in "9 to 5" with Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. Also in 1980, she starred in "On Golden Pond" with her father, Henry Fonda.
1980: Starring in 9 to 5
In 1980, Jane Fonda starred in the successful film "9 to 5".
1982: Release of Jane Fonda's Workout
In 1982, Jane Fonda released her first exercise video, "Jane Fonda's Workout", which became the highest-selling VHS ever.
1982: Jane Fonda's Workout Video Release
In 1982, Jane Fonda released her first exercise video, "Jane Fonda's Workout", which became the highest-selling home video and influenced the fitness craze.
May 3, 1983: Agreement with Columbia Pictures
On May 3, 1983, Jane Fonda entered into an agreement with Columbia Pictures to star in or produce projects under her own banner, Jayne Development Corporation.
1984: Establishment of Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1984, Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand, along with ten other women, established the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) to assist in the presidential campaign of Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.
1984: Co-founded the Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1984, Jane Fonda co-founded the Hollywood Women's Political Committee.
1984: The Dollmaker Emmy Award
In 1984, Jane Fonda won an Emmy Award for her role in "The Dollmaker".
June 25, 1985: Renaming of Production Company
On June 25, 1985, Jane Fonda renamed her production company Fonda Films.
1985: Starring in Agnes of God
In 1985, Jane Fonda starred as Dr. Martha Livingston in "Agnes of God".
1986: The Morning After
In 1986, Jane Fonda starred in the thriller "The Morning After" as an alcoholic actress, earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
1986: HWPC helps turn the Senate Democratic
In 1986, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee, established by Jane Fonda and others, helped to turn the Senate Democratic.
1988: Barbara Walters Interview
In a 1988 interview with Barbara Walters, Jane Fonda expressed regret for some of her comments and actions.
1990: Concluding Films with Stanley & Iris
In 1990, Jane Fonda concluded her films with Stanley & Iris before she retired from acting.
1990: Stanley & Iris
In 1990, Jane Fonda starred in "Stanley & Iris" with Robert De Niro, her last film for 15 years.
1991: Marriage to Ted Turner and Retirement from Acting
In 1991, Jane Fonda married Ted Turner and retired from acting after a string of commercially unsuccessful films.
1991: Retirement from Film Industry
In 1991, after three decades in film, Jane Fonda retired from the film industry.
1992: HWPC Helped Elect Women Legislators
In 1992, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee helped to elect a record-breaking number of women legislators, an achievement called the Year of the Woman.
1994: HWPC Continues Activism
In 1994, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee continued its activism through political setbacks.
1994: Goodwill Ambassador for UNFPA
In 1994, the United Nations Population Fund made Jane Fonda a Goodwill Ambassador.
1995: Workout books and audio programs
Until 1995, Jane Fonda released five workout books and thirteen audio programs.
1996: HWPC Continues Activism
In 1996, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee continued its activism through political setbacks.
1997: Dissolution of Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1997, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee, established by Jane Fonda and others, dissolved after years of activism.
2001: Establishment of the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health
In 2001, Jane Fonda established the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health, which aims to prevent teen pregnancy.
December 2002: Visit to Israel and the West Bank
In December 2002, Jane Fonda visited Israel and the West Bank to focus on stopping violence against women. She demonstrated against Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and visited Jewish and Arab doctors, patients at a Jerusalem hospital, a physical rehabilitation center, and a Palestinian refugee camp.
2002: Attending the First V-Day Summit
In 2002, Jane Fonda attended the first summit of V-Day, a movement to stop violence against women, inspired by the off-Broadway hit 'The Vagina Monologues'. The summit brought together Eve Ensler, Afghan women oppressed by the Taliban, and a Kenyan activist campaigning to save girls from genital mutilation.
February 16, 2004: March in Ciudad Juárez
On February 16, 2004, Fonda, along with Sally Field, Eve Ensler and other women, led a march through Ciudad Juárez, urging Mexico to provide sufficient resources to investigate the murders of hundreds of women in the border city.
2004: Used as epithet against John Kerry
During the 2004 presidential election, Jane Fonda's name was used as a disparaging epithet against John Kerry, and a photo of them at a 1970 anti-war rally was circulated. A faked composite photograph was also circulated.
2004: Jane Fonda Foundation Founded
In 2004, Jane Fonda founded the Jane Fonda Foundation with one million dollars of her own money, acting as president, chair, director, and secretary.
March 31, 2005: 60 Minutes Interview
During a 60 Minutes interview on March 31, 2005, Jane Fonda reiterated that she had no regrets about her trip to North Vietnam in 1972, with the exception of the anti-aircraft-gun photo.
April 5, 2005: Publication of 'My Life So Far'
On April 5, 2005, Random House published Fonda's autobiography, 'My Life So Far'. The book describes her life as a series of three acts, with her third "act" being the most significant due to her commitment to Christianity.
July 2005: Planned anti-war bus tour
In July 2005, Jane Fonda planned an anti-war bus tour with her daughter and families of military veterans for March 2006, but she later canceled it due to concerns that it would divert attention from Cindy Sheehan's activism.
September 2005: Cancellation of appearances on Galloway's book tour
In September 2005, Jane Fonda was scheduled to join George Galloway on his U.S. book tour but canceled her appearances due to doctor's orders following hip surgery.
2005: Co-founded the Women's Media Center
In 2005, Jane Fonda co-founded the Women's Media Center.
2005: Return to Acting with Monster-in-Law
In 2005, Jane Fonda returned to screens with the hit comedy "Monster-in-Law".
2005: Autobiography on Anti-Aircraft Gun Photo
In her 2005 autobiography, Jane Fonda wrote about being photographed seated on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun and said that she was manipulated into sitting on the battery, horrified at the implications of the pictures.
March 2006: Cancellation of anti-war bus tour
In March 2006, Jane Fonda's planned anti-war bus tour, initially scheduled for this month with her daughter and families of military veterans, was canceled due to concerns about overshadowing Cindy Sheehan's activism.
September 17, 2006: Support for Feministiskt initiativ in Sweden
Before the September 17, 2006, Swedish elections, Jane Fonda went to Sweden to support the new political party Feministiskt initiativ in their election campaign.
January 27, 2007: Participation in anti-war rally in Washington, D.C.
On January 27, 2007, Jane Fonda participated in an anti-war rally and march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and spoke at an anti-war rally at the Navy Memorial.
January 2009: Fonda's Return to Broadway Blog
In January 2009, Jane Fonda started a blog chronicling her return to Broadway, discussing topics like Pilates and her feelings about the new play.
2009: Return to Broadway and Exercise Videos
In 2009, Jane Fonda returned to Broadway after a 46-year absence with "33 Variations", earning a Tony Award nomination. She also released more exercise videos.
2009: Return to Broadway in 33 Variations
In 2009, Jane Fonda returned to Broadway for the first time since 1963 in "33 Variations", earning a Tony nomination.
2010: Fitness Videos on DVD
After a 15-year hiatus, in 2010, Jane Fonda released two new fitness videos on DVD aimed at an older audience.
2011: All Together and Peace, Love and Misunderstanding
In 2011, Jane Fonda starred in "All Together", her first French film since 1972, and "Peace, Love and Misunderstanding".
2012: The Newsroom
In 2012, Jane Fonda began a recurring role in HBO's "The Newsroom", receiving two Emmy nominations.
2012: Exercise Videos Release
Jane Fonda released five exercise videos between 2009 and 2012, expanding her fitness empire.
2013: The Butler
In 2013, Jane Fonda portrayed Nancy Reagan in "The Butler".
November 2014: Filming Complete of Grace and Frankie Season 1
Filming for the first season of the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie" was completed in November 2014.
2014: Starring in This Is Where I Leave You
In 2014, Jane Fonda starred in the film "This Is Where I Leave You".
May 8, 2015: Grace and Frankie Premiere
On May 8, 2015, "Grace and Frankie" premiered on Netflix, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
2015: Youth and Fathers and Daughters
In 2015, Jane Fonda appeared in "Youth", earning a Golden Globe nomination, and "Fathers and Daughters".
2015: Disapproval of Arctic drilling and participation in the "March for Jobs, Justice, and Climate"
In 2015, Jane Fonda expressed disapproval of President Barack Obama's permitting of Arctic drilling at the Sundance Film Festival and marched in the "March for Jobs, Justice, and Climate" in Toronto.
2015: Starring in Youth and Grace and Frankie
In 2015, Jane Fonda starred in the film "Youth" and the Netflix comedy series "Grace and Frankie", earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
April 2016: Fonda predicts Hillary Clinton's victory and a backlash
In April 2016, Fonda expressed support for Bernie Sanders but predicted Hillary Clinton would win the presidential election and believed that her win would result in a "violent backlash."
June 2016: Human Rights Campaign Video
In June 2016, Jane Fonda participated in a Human Rights Campaign video in tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.
2017: Merchandise Sales to Benefit GCAPP
In 2017, Fonda began selling merchandise featuring her 1970 arrest mugshot on her website, with the proceeds benefiting GCAPP.
2017: Merchandise with Mugshot Image
In 2017, Jane Fonda began selling merchandise with her mugshot image to benefit the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential.
2017: Criticism of Justin Trudeau on Oil Development
In 2017, Jane Fonda criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for betraying commitments made at the Paris Agreement regarding climate change and treaties with indigenous people.
2017: Criticism of Trump's Pipeline Mandate
In 2017, Jane Fonda criticized President Donald Trump's mandate to resume construction of the North Dakota Pipelines, arguing that he did so illegally because he had not obtained consent from the affected Native American tribes.
2017: Our Souls at Night
In 2017, Jane Fonda starred in "Our Souls at Night" with Robert Redford, receiving critical acclaim.
September 2018: Mugshot Billboard in Times Square
In September 2018, Jane Fonda's mugshot from her 1970 arrest was used as the poster image for the HBO documentary "Jane Fonda in Five Acts", with a giant billboard erected in Times Square.
September 24, 2018: HBO Documentary Premiere
On September 24, 2018, the HBO documentary "Jane Fonda in Five Acts" premiered, covering her life and career.
2018: Starring in Book Club
In 2018, Jane Fonda starred in the film "Book Club".
September 2019: British Vogue Cover Appearance
In September 2019, Jane Fonda was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of the September issue of British Vogue, by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
October 2019: Arrests at Climate Change Protests
In October 2019, Jane Fonda was arrested three times in consecutive weeks for protesting climate change outside the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
December 5, 2019: Op-Ed explaining climate activism
On December 5, 2019, Jane Fonda explained her position on climate activism in a New York Times op-ed.
2019: Support for environmental organizations
Since at least 2019, Jane Fonda has been a supporter of global environmental organizations including GreenFaith and 350.org. She spoke at the Fire Drill Fridays protest in Washington, D.C., condemning the expansion of the fossil fuel industry.
March 2020: Fonda endorses Bernie Sanders
In March 2020, Jane Fonda endorsed Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 election, calling him the "climate candidate."
September 8, 2020: Publication of "What Can I Do?: The Truth About Climate Change and How to Fix It"
On September 8, 2020, Fonda's book, "What Can I Do?: The Truth About Climate Change and How to Fix It" was published by HarperCollins.
August 14, 2021: Grace and Frankie Premieres
On August 14, 2021, the first four episodes of the seventh and final season of 'Grace and Frankie,' starring Jane Fonda, were released.
August 2021: Support for Los Angeles LGBT Center
In August 2021, Jane Fonda and the cast of Grace and Frankie joined advocates to support a fundraiser hosted by the Los Angeles LGBT Center to assist members of the LGBTQ+ community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 23, 2021: Yearly Departed Appearance
On December 23, 2021, Jane Fonda appeared in the second installment of Amazon Prime Video's 'Yearly Departed,' alongside Yvonne Orji and other eulogy givers.
March 2022: Launch of Jane Fonda Climate PAC
In March 2022, Jane Fonda launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, a political action committee aimed at ousting politicians who support the fossil fuel industry.
April 29, 2022: Grace and Frankie Final Episodes Release
On April 29, 2022, the final 12 episodes of the seventh season of 'Grace and Frankie' were released on Netflix.
2022: Starred in Grace and Frankie
In 2022, Jane Fonda was acting in the Netflix's comedy series Grace and Frankie.
2022: Grace and Frankie Concluded
In 2022, the Netflix series Grace and Frankie concluded after 7 seasons.
September 2023: Participation in March to End Fossil Fuels
In September 2023, Jane Fonda participated in New York City's March to End Fossil Fuels.
2023: Starring in 80 for Brady
In 2023, Jane Fonda starred in the film "80 for Brady".
2023: Film Projects in 2023
In 2023, Jane Fonda was involved in several film projects, including '80 for Brady' with Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field, 'Moving On' with Malcolm McDowell and Richard Roundtree, and 'Book Club: The Next Chapter'.
September 2024: Signing of Open Letter Urging Governor Newsom to Sign AI Safety Bill SB 1047
In September 2024, Jane Fonda joined over 125 actors, directors, and musicians in signing an open letter urging Governor Gavin Newsom to sign SB 1047, a Californian AI safety bill.
2024: Featured guest at 350.org's Food & Water Watch event
In 2024, Jane Fonda was a featured guest at 350.org's Food & Water Watch event.
2026: Starring in The Correspondent
In 2026, it was announced that Jane Fonda would be starring in the big screen adaptation of Virginia Evans' New York Times best-seller, The Correspondent.
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