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 an acclaimed American actress and activist whose career spans over six 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. She has also been nominated for a Grammy Award and two Tony Awards. Additionally, Fonda has been honored with lifetime achievement 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, recognizing her significant contributions to film and television.
1954: Interest in the Arts
In 1954, Jane Fonda became interested in the arts while appearing with her father in a charity performance of "The Country Girl" at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
1958: Meeting Lee Strasberg
In 1958, after returning to the US from studying art in Paris, Jane Fonda met Lee Strasberg, which she described as a turning point in her life.
1960: Starting Film Career
In 1960, Jane Fonda began her film career with "Tall Story", recreating one of her Broadway roles.
1960: Acting Debut 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. The same year, she made her screen debut in the romantic comedy "Tall Story".
1962: Rising Prominence with Period of Adjustment
In 1962, Jane Fonda rose to prominence with her role in the comedy "Period of Adjustment".
1962: Films: Period of Adjustment and Walk on the Wild Side
In 1962, Jane Fonda starred in "Period of Adjustment" and "Walk on the Wild Side". In "Walk on the Wild Side", she played a prostitute.
1962: Miss Army Recruiting Title
In 1962, Jane Fonda was given the honorary title of "Miss Army Recruiting" by the Pentagon.
1963: Starring in 'Sunday in New York'
In 1963, Jane Fonda starred in "Sunday in New York", further establishing her career.
1963: Broadway Debut
The text mentions Fonda's return to Broadway in 2009 after her debut in 1963.
1964: Films in France
In 1964, Jane Fonda made two pictures in France: "Joy House" and "Circle of Love". With "Circle of Love", she became one of the first American film stars to appear nude in a foreign movie.
1965: Career Breakthrough with Cat Ballou
In 1965, Jane Fonda had her career breakthrough with "Cat Ballou", where she played a schoolmarm-turned-outlaw. The film received five Oscar nominations and was a box office success.
1965: Starring in Cat Ballou
In 1965, Jane Fonda starred in "Cat Ballou", marking a significant role in her career.
1967: 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 played the title role in the science fiction spoof "Barbarella", which solidified her status as a sex symbol.
1969: Critical Acclaim for They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
In 1969, Jane Fonda received critical acclaim for her role in the tragedy "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?", marking a turning point in her career and earning her the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
1969: First Oscar Nomination for They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
In 1969, Jane Fonda received her first Oscar nomination for her performance in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"
1969: Support for the Occupation of Alcatraz Island
In 1969, Jane Fonda, along with other celebrities, supported the Occupation of Alcatraz Island by members of the American Indian Movement to highlight government failures regarding treaty rights and Indigenous sovereignty.
May 4, 1970: Appearance at University of New Mexico and Protest
On May 4, 1970, Jane Fonda spoke at the University of New Mexico about G.I. rights. Following the event, she joined a protest march against the shooting at Kent State, carrying forward the themes of her recently released film, They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
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 occupied part of the grounds of Fort Lawton. This action aimed to secure a land base for services for the local urban Indian population, resulting in the construction of the Daybreak Star Cultural Center.
February 1971: Playboy Ad in Support of the VVAW
As part of the settlement of Jane Fonda's lawsuit against Playboy, the February 1971 issue of the magazine contained a full-page ad in support of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), transforming the organization into one of the most important actors in the antiwar movement.
1971: Release of Klute
Between "Klute" in 1971 and "Fun with Dick and Jane" in 1977, Fonda did not have a major film success.
1971: Critical acclaim and awards for Klute
In 1971, Jane Fonda received widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her performance in "Klute", with some critics suggesting the film should have been titled after her character, Bree. During the 1971–1972 awards season, Fonda dominated the Best Actress category at almost every major awards ceremony
1971: Academy Award for Klute
In 1971, Jane Fonda won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Bree Daniels in "Klute".
1971: Formation of the FTA Tour
In 1971, Jane Fonda, Fred Gardner, and Donald Sutherland formed the FTA tour ("Free The Army"), an antiwar road show designed as an answer to Bob Hope's USO tour, which visited military towns to discuss upcoming deployments to Vietnam.
1971: Reference to Bree in Klute
The text mentions Fonda's performance in the 1971 film *Klute*, referencing her character Bree.
1972: Awards Season Success
During the 1971-1972 awards season, Jane Fonda dominated the Best Actress category at almost every major awards ceremony for her role in "Klute".
1972: Funding and Organization of the Indochina Peace Campaign
In 1972, Jane Fonda helped fund and organize the Indochina Peace Campaign, mobilizing antiwar activists in the US.
1972: Starring in Tout Va Bien, March on Italian Womens Rights
In 1972, Jane Fonda starred in "Tout Va Bien" and joined a feminist march on March 8 in Rome, giving a speech in support of Italian women's rights.
1972: Release of the F.T.A. Movie
In 1972, the dialogue from the FTA tour was made into a movie (F.T.A.) that contains strong, frank criticism of the war by servicemembers, and the movie was released.
1973: Appearance in A Doll's House
In 1973, Jane Fonda appeared in "A Doll's House", receiving praise for her work as Nora Helmer despite some critics feeling she was miscast.
1973: Indochina Peace Campaign Mobilization after Peace Agreement
In 1973, after the Paris Peace Agreement, the Indochina Peace Campaign, which was helped founded by Jane Fonda, continued to mobilize antiwar activists in the US.
1975: Indochina Peace Campaign and US Withdrawal from Vietnam
In 1975, the Indochina Peace Campaign, which was helped founded by Jane Fonda, continued until the United States withdrew from Vietnam.
1976: Appearance in Films
In 1976, Jane Fonda appeared in "Steelyard Blues" and "The Blue Bird".
1977: Fun with Dick and Jane
Between "Klute" in 1971 and "Fun with Dick and Jane" in 1977, Fonda did not have a major film success.
1977: Nomination for Julia, Hit with Fun with Dick and Jane
In 1977, Jane Fonda received an Oscar nomination for her role in "Julia", and starred in the hit film "Fun with Dick and Jane".
1978: Campaign for Economic Democracy Founded
In 1978, Jane Fonda founded the Campaign for Economic Democracy with her second husband, Tom Hayden. She used the proceeds from her exercise videos and books to fund the organization.
1979: Fonda speaks out as LGBTQ+ ally during White Night Riots
In 1979, Jane Fonda appeared in a video of an interview during the White Night Riots in San Francisco after the assassination of Harvey Milk. During the interview she expressed support for the gay community stating that they are facing cultural, psychological, economic and political discrimination.
1979: Nomination for The China Syndrome and starring in The Electric Horseman
In 1979, Jane Fonda received an Oscar nomination for her role in "The China Syndrome", and starred in "The Electric Horseman".
1979: The China Syndrome and The Electric Horseman
In 1979, Jane Fonda won her second BAFTA Award for *The China Syndrome* and starred in *The Electric Horseman* with Robert Redford, which was a box office success. She was also ranked as Hollywood's most bankable actress.
1980: Starring in 9 to 5
In 1980, Jane Fonda starred in "9 to 5", continuing her success at the box office.
1980: Starring in 9 to 5 and On Golden Pond
In 1980, Jane Fonda starred in the successful film *9 to 5* with Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. She also purchased the rights to *On Golden Pond*, starring alongside her father, Henry Fonda, and Katharine Hepburn, resulting in Oscar nominations for both Fondas and Henry Fonda's only win.
1981: Nomination for On Golden Pond
In 1981, Jane Fonda received an Oscar nomination for her role in "On Golden Pond".
1981: Women in Film Crystal Award
In 1981, Jane Fonda was awarded the Women in Film Crystal Award.
1982: Release of Jane Fonda's Workout Video
In 1982, Jane Fonda released her first exercise video, "Jane Fonda's Workout", which became the highest-selling VHS of all time.
May 3, 1983: Agreement with Columbia Pictures
On May 3, 1983, Jane Fonda entered a non-exclusive agreement with Columbia Pictures through her company Jayne Development Corporation, after her previous company IPC Films closed.
1984: Establishment of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1984, Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand, along with ten other women in the entertainment industry, established the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) to assist in the presidential campaign of Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.
1984: Co-founding Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1984, Jane Fonda co-founded the Hollywood Women's Political Committee.
1984: Primetime Emmy Award for The Dollmaker
In 1984, Jane Fonda won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in "The Dollmaker".
June 25, 1985: Renaming of Production Company to Fonda Films
On June 25, 1985, Jane Fonda renamed her production company to Fonda Films.
1985: Starring in Agnes of God
In 1985, Jane Fonda starred as Dr. Martha Livingston in *Agnes of God*.
1986: Nomination for The Morning After
In 1986, Jane Fonda received an Oscar nomination for her role in "The Morning After".
1986: The Morning After
In 1986, Jane Fonda starred in the thriller *The Morning After*, receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
1986: HWPC Helped Turn the Senate Democratic
In 1986, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), co-founded by Jane Fonda, helped to turn the Senate Democratic with a list of New Left political goals.
1990: Concluding Films with Stanley & Iris
In 1990, Jane Fonda concluded a row of commercially unsuccessful films with "Stanley & Iris", after which she retired from acting.
1990: Starring in Stanley & Iris
In 1990, Jane Fonda starred in *Stanley & Iris* with Robert De Niro, which was her last film for 15 years.
1991: Retirement from Film Industry
In 1991, after three decades in film, Jane Fonda retired from the film industry.
1992: HWPC Helped Elect a Record-Breaking Number of Women Legislators
In 1992, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), co-founded by Jane Fonda, contributed to electing a record-breaking number of women legislators, an achievement called the Year of the Woman.
1994: HWPC Continued Activism Through Political Setbacks
In 1994, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), co-founded by Jane Fonda, continued its activism despite political setbacks.
1994: UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador
In 1994, the United Nations Population Fund made Jane Fonda a Goodwill Ambassador.
1995: Release of Workout Books and Audio Programs
By 1995, Jane Fonda had released five workout books and thirteen audio programs.
1996: HWPC Continued Activism Through Political Setbacks
In 1996, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), co-founded by Jane Fonda, continued its activism despite political setbacks.
1997: Dissolution of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1997, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), co-founded by Jane Fonda, dissolved after years of activism.
2001: Establishment of Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health
In 2001, Jane Fonda established the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health at Emory University in Atlanta. The center aims to help prevent adolescent pregnancy through training and program development.
December 2002: Fonda Visits Israel and West Bank
In December 2002, Jane Fonda visited Israel and the West Bank. She demonstrated with Women in Black against Israel's occupation, visited Jewish and Arab doctors and patients at a Jerusalem hospital, and visited a physical rehabilitation center and Palestinian refugee camp in Ramallah.
2002: Attendance at the First V-Day Summit
In 2002, Jane Fonda attended the first V-Day summit. 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: Fonda Leads March in Ciudad Juárez
On February 16, 2004, Jane Fonda, along with Sally Field, Eve Ensler, and other women, led a march through Ciudad Juárez. The march urged Mexico to provide sufficient resources to investigate the murders of hundreds of women in the border city.
2004: Jane Fonda Foundation Established
In 2004, Jane Fonda founded the Jane Fonda Foundation with one million dollars of her own money. She serves as president, chair, director, and secretary, contributing 10 hours each week.
2004: Women's eNews Award
In 2004, Jane Fonda was awarded the Women's eNews 21 Leaders for the 21st Century award.
April 5, 2005: Publication of Autobiography "My Life So Far"
On April 5, 2005, Random House published Jane Fonda's autobiography, "My Life So Far". The book divides her life into three 30-year acts and expresses her commitment to Christianity.
July 2005: Planning of Anti-War Bus Tour
In July 2005, Jane Fonda planned an anti-war bus tour in March 2006 with her daughter and military veterans' families to speak out against the Iraq War. However, she later canceled the tour to avoid diverting 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-founding Women's Media Center
In 2005, Jane Fonda co-founded the Women's Media Center.
2005: Publication of Autobiography
In 2005, Jane Fonda published her autobiography, "My Life So Far", where she rejected the idea that her career was destroyed due to her political actions.
2005: Return to Screens with Monster-in-Law
In 2005, Jane Fonda returned to acting with the hit comedy "Monster-in-Law".
2005: Autobiography on Anti-Aircraft Gun Photo
In her 2005 autobiography, Jane Fonda wrote that she was manipulated into sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun, expressing horror at the implications of the pictures, which outraged many Americans.
March 2006: Planned Anti-War Bus Tour
Jane Fonda had planned an anti-war bus tour in March 2006, but it was later canceled.
September 17, 2006: Support for Feministiskt initiativ in Sweden
On September 17, 2006, 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., stating that "silence is no longer an option." She also spoke at an anti-war rally earlier that day at the Navy Memorial, where she faced a counter protest.
January 2009: Blogging about Broadway Return
In January 2009, Jane Fonda began chronicling her return to Broadway in a blog, discussing topics from Pilates to her fears and excitement about the new play.
September 2009: Signatory of Letter Protesting Tel Aviv Spotlight at Toronto Film Festival
In September 2009, Jane Fonda was one of over 1,500 signatories to a letter protesting the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival's spotlight on Tel Aviv. The letter cited the spotlight as Israeli propaganda due to government funding and association with the Brand Israel campaign.
December 2009: Awards Received
In November and December 2009, Jane Fonda received the National German Sustainability Award and New York Women's Agenda Lifetime Achievement Award.
2009: Return to Broadway and Exercise Videos
In 2009, Jane Fonda returned to Broadway after a 46-year absence in "33 Variations", earning a Tony Award nomination, and released more exercise videos.
2009: Return to Broadway with 33 Variations
In 2009, Jane Fonda returned to Broadway for the first time since 1963, starring in Moisés Kaufman's *33 Variations*, earning a Tony nomination.
2010: Release of New Fitness Videos
In 2010, after a fifteen-year hiatus, Jane Fonda released two new fitness videos on DVD, targeting an older audience.
2011: All Together and Peace, Love and Misunderstanding
In 2011, Jane Fonda played a leading role in the French drama *All Together* and starred in *Peace, Love and Misunderstanding*.
2011: Publication of 'Prime Time'
In 2011, Jane Fonda published a new book titled "Prime Time: Love, health, sex, fitness, friendship, spirit – making the most of all of your life." The book offers stories from her own life as well as from the lives of others, giving her perspective on how to better live what she calls "the critical years from 45 and 50, and especially from 60 and beyond".
2012: Release of Exercise Videos
Between 2009 and 2012, Jane Fonda released five exercise videos.
2012: Recurring Role in The Newsroom
In 2012, Jane Fonda began a recurring role in HBO's *The Newsroom* as Leona Lansing, receiving two Emmy nominations.
2013: Role as Nancy Reagan in The Butler
In 2013, Jane Fonda portrayed First Lady Nancy Reagan in *The Butler* directed by Lee Daniels.
November 2014: Filming Completion of Grace and Frankie Season 1
In November 2014, filming was completed on the first season of *Grace and Frankie*, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
2014: Film: This Is Where I Leave You
In 2014, Jane Fonda appeared in the film "This Is Where I Leave You".
2014: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2014, Jane Fonda received the AFI Life Achievement Award.
May 8, 2015: Grace and Frankie Premiere
On May 8, 2015, *Grace and Frankie*, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, premiered on Netflix.
2015: Youth, Fathers and Daughters, and The Simpsons
In 2015, Jane Fonda appeared in *Youth* earning a Golden Globe nomination, *Fathers and Daughters*, and voiced Maxine Lombard in *The Simpsons*.
2015: Protest against Arctic Drilling and Participation in Toronto Protest
In 2015, Jane Fonda expressed disapproval of President Barack Obama's permitting of Arctic drilling at the Sundance Film Festival. In July, she also marched in a Toronto protest called the "March for Jobs, Justice, and Climate."
2015: Starring in Grace and Frankie and Film: Youth
In 2015, Jane Fonda starred in the Netflix comedy series "Grace and Frankie" and also appeared in the film "Youth".
June 2016: Human Rights Campaign Video
In June 2016, Jane Fonda participated in a Human Rights Campaign video tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.
2017: Film: Our Souls at Night
In 2017, Jane Fonda appeared in the film "Our Souls at Night".
2017: Merchandise Sales to Benefit GCAPP
In 2017, Jane Fonda began selling merchandise featuring her 1970 arrest mugshot on her website, with the proceeds benefiting the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential (GCAPP).
2017: Mugshot Merchandise for Charity
In 2017, Jane Fonda began selling merchandise featuring her mugshot image to benefit the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential.
2017: Goldene Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2017, Jane Fonda received a Goldene Kamera lifetime achievement award.
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: Premiere of Jane Fonda in Five Acts
On September 24, 2018, the HBO documentary *Jane Fonda in Five Acts* premiered, covering Fonda's life and career.
2018: Film: Book Club
In 2018, Jane Fonda appeared 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 British Vogue, by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
October 2019: Arrests at Climate Change Protests in Washington, D.C.
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. She was arrested with various individuals, including Sam Waterston and Ted Danson.
December 5, 2019: Explanation of Position in New York Times Op-Ed
On December 5, 2019, Jane Fonda explained her position regarding climate change activism in a New York Times op-ed.
2019: Support for Environmental Organizations and Participation in Fire Drill Fridays
Since at least 2019, Jane Fonda has supported 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.
September 8, 2020: Publication of 'What Can I Do?: The Truth About Climate Change and How to Fix It'
On September 8, 2020, HarperCollins published Jane Fonda's book, What Can I Do?: The Truth About Climate Change and How to Fix It.
August 14, 2021: Grace and Frankie Season 7 Premiere
On August 14, 2021, the first four episodes of the seventh and final season of Grace and Frankie, starring Jane Fonda, premiered.
August 2021: Fonda Supports Fundraiser for LGBTQ+ Community
In August 2021, Jane Fonda joined the cast of Grace and Frankie and other advocates to support a fundraiser hosted by the Los Angeles LGBT Center to help 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, Chelsea Peretti, Megan Stalter, Dulcé Sloan, Aparna Nancherla, and X Mayo.
2021: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2021, Jane Fonda received a Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 78th Golden Globe Awards.
March 2022: Launch of Jane Fonda Climate PAC
In March 2022, Jane Fonda launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. The political action committee has the purpose of ousting politicians supporting the fossil fuel industry.
April 29, 2022: Grace and Frankie Final Episodes Released on Netflix
On April 29, 2022, the final 12 episodes of the seventh season of Grace and Frankie, starring Jane Fonda, were released on Netflix.
2022: Starring in Grace and Frankie
From 2015 to 2022, Jane Fonda starred in the Netflix comedy series "Grace and Frankie".
September 2023: Participation in New York City's March to End Fossil Fuels
In September 2023, Jane Fonda participated in New York City's March to End Fossil Fuels.
September 2023: John Steinbeck Award Received
In September 2023, Jane Fonda received the John Steinbeck “In the Souls of the People” Award.
2023: Film: 80 for Brady
In 2023, Jane Fonda appeared in the film "80 for Brady".
September 2024: Signing of Open Letter Urging Governor Newsom to Sign 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 that would hold companies training the largest AI models liable if their models cause mass casualties or over $500 million in damages.
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.
2025: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
In 2025, Jane Fonda received a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Justin Trudeau a Canadian politician was the rd prime minister...
Trending
45 minutes ago NATO allies refuse to help secure Hormuz Strait; Europe stands up to Trump
45 minutes ago Churchill's Special Relationship faces challenges amidst evolving US-UK national security strategies.
45 minutes ago Taoiseach Visits Trump on St. Patrick's Day, Seeking US Investment and Strengthening Ties.
46 minutes ago Sinner and Medvedev to Clash in Indian Wells Final After Alcaraz Defeat
2 hours ago Luca Van Assche Gears Up for Miami 2026: Match Analysis and Comments
2 hours ago Broncos Acquire Jaylen Waddle; Bo Nix Gets Potential Super Bowl Weapon
Popular
Sean Penn is a highly acclaimed American actor and film...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
Cesar Chavez was a prominent American labor leader and civil...
Chaz Bono is an American writer musician and actor known...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently...