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 celebrated American actress and activist, renowned for her extensive career spanning film and television across multiple genres. Her achievements include two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. She has also received nominations for a Grammy and two Tony Awards. Fonda's contributions have been further acknowledged with prestigious lifetime achievement awards such as the Honorary Palme d'Or (2007), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2014), the Golden Lion (2017), the Cecil B. DeMille Award (2021), and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2025).
1963: Prior Broadway performance
In 1963, Jane Fonda last performed on Broadway before returning in 2009.
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. This occupation aimed to highlight the government's failures concerning treaty rights and the pursuit of greater Indigenous sovereignty.
May 4, 1970: Speech and Protest at the University of New Mexico
On May 4, 1970, Jane Fonda spoke at the University of New Mexico about G.I. rights and issues. Following her speech, she joined a protest march related to the Kent State shooting, referencing her film "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?".
1970: Support for Native American Land Rights
In 1970, Jane Fonda went to Seattle to support a group of Native Americans led by Bernie Whitebear, who were occupying part of Fort Lawton to secure land for services for the urban Indian population, resulting in the construction of the Daybreak Star Cultural Center.
1971: Reference to Bree in Klute
In 1971, Jane Fonda's performance as Bree in 'Klute' was referenced in a review for her performance in 'The Morning After'.
1971: Formation of the FTA Tour
In 1971, Jane Fonda, along with Fred Gardner and Donald Sutherland, created the FTA tour (Free The Army), an anti-war road show intended to counter Bob Hope's USO tour.
1972: Funding and Organizing the Indochina Peace Campaign
In 1972, Jane Fonda helped fund and organize the Indochina Peace Campaign to continue antiwar mobilization in the US.
1972: Stars in Tout Va Bien
In 1972, Jane Fonda starred in the film 'Tout Va Bien'.
1972: North Vietnam Trip
In 1972, Jane Fonda took a trip to North Vietnam. In a later interview in 2005, she stated that she had no regrets about the trip.
1973: Indochina Peace Campaign mobilisation
In 1973, the Indochina Peace Campaign continued to mobilize antiwar activists in the US after the Paris Peace Agreement.
1975: US withdrawal from Vietnam
In 1975, the United States withdrew from Vietnam, marking the end of the Indochina Peace Campaign's original mission, which Jane Fonda had helped fund and organize.
1978: Founding of the Campaign for Economic Democracy
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: Wins Second Academy Award for Coming Home
In 1978, Jane Fonda reached a career peak by winning her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Sally Hyde in 'Coming Home', a film about a Vietnam War veteran's readjustment to civilian life. In 1978, she also reunited with Alan J. Pakula to star in 'Comes a Horseman' and took on a supporting role in 'California Suite'.
1979: Advocacy During White Night Riots
In 1979, Jane Fonda appeared in a video of an interview during the White Night Riots in San Francisco, following the assassination of Harvey Milk. Fonda expressed her support for the gay community and acknowledged the discrimination they faced culturally, psychologically, economically, and politically.
1979: Wins Second BAFTA Award for The China Syndrome
In 1979, Jane Fonda won her second BAFTA Award for Best Actress for her role in 'The China Syndrome', a film about a nuclear power plant cover-up. In 1979, she also starred in 'The Electric Horseman' with Robert Redford.
1980: Stars in 9 to 5 and On Golden Pond
In 1980, Jane Fonda starred in '9 to 5' and purchased the rights to 'On Golden Pond', hoping to work with her father, Henry Fonda. They both received Oscar nominations for the film, and Henry Fonda won his only Academy Award for Best Actor which Jane accepted on his behalf in 1980.
1981: Women in Film Crystal Award
In 1981, Jane Fonda was awarded the Women in Film Crystal Award.
1982: Releases Jane Fonda's Workout
In 1982, Jane Fonda released her first exercise video, 'Jane Fonda's Workout', inspired by her best-selling book, 'Jane Fonda's Workout Book'. It became the highest-selling home video and led to increased VCR sales.
May 3, 1983: Enters Agreement with Columbia Pictures
On May 3, 1983, Jane Fonda entered into an agreement with Columbia Pictures through her company, Jayne Development Corporation.
1984: Establishment of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1984, Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand co-founded the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) with ten other women. The HWPC's initial aim was to support the presidential campaign of Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.
1984: Wins Emmy Award for The Dollmaker
In 1984, Jane Fonda won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for her role in 'The Dollmaker'.
June 25, 1985: Renames Production Company to Fonda Films
On June 25, 1985, Jane Fonda renamed her production company from Jayne Development Corporation to Fonda Films.
1985: Stars in Agnes of God
In 1985, Jane Fonda starred as Dr. Martha Livingston in 'Agnes of God'.
1986: Stars in The Morning After
In 1986, Jane Fonda starred in 'The Morning After', receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance.
1986: HWPC's impact on Senate elections
In 1986, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) helped to turn the Senate Democratic, furthering its New Left political goals.
1988: Regret expressed in Barbara Walters interview
In a 1988 interview with Barbara Walters, Jane Fonda expressed regret for some of her past comments and actions.
1991: Retires From the Film Industry
In 1991, Jane Fonda retired from the film industry after three decades.
1992: HWPC's role in electing women legislators
In 1992, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) played a role in the election of a record number of women legislators, marking what was called the Year of the Woman.
1994: HWPC activism through political setbacks
In 1994, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), continued its activism despite political setbacks.
1994: UN Goodwill Ambassador
In 1994, the United Nations Population Fund made Jane Fonda a Goodwill Ambassador.
1995: Continues Workout Releases
By 1995, Jane Fonda had released five workout books and thirteen audio programs as part of her workout series.
1996: HWPC activism through political setbacks
In 1996, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), continued its activism despite political setbacks.
1997: Dissolution of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee
In 1997, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), called "the single most-powerful entertainment group" in politics, dissolved after years of activism.
2001: Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health Founded
In 2001, Jane Fonda established the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health at Emory University in Atlanta to help prevent adolescent pregnancy through training and program development.
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 help prevent teen pregnancy.
2002: V-Day Summit Attendance
In 2002, Jane Fonda attended the first V-Day summit, joining founder Eve Ensler, Afghan women oppressed by the Taliban, and a Kenyan activist campaigning against female genital mutilation.
February 16, 2004: 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, urging Mexico to provide resources to investigate the murders of hundreds of women.
2004: Establishment of the Jane Fonda Foundation
In 2004, Jane Fonda established the Jane Fonda Foundation with one million dollars of her own money, acting as president, chair, director, and secretary and dedicating 10 hours weekly to the charitable corporation.
2004: Women's eNews 21 Leaders award
In 2004, Jane Fonda was awarded the Women's eNews 21 Leaders for the 21st Century award as one of Seven Who Change Their Worlds.
March 31, 2005: 60 Minutes Interview
On March 31, 2005, in a 60 Minutes interview, Jane Fonda reiterated that she had no regrets about her trip to North Vietnam in 1972, except for the anti-aircraft gun photo, which she called a "betrayal."
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", where she describes her life in three thirty-year acts and her commitment to Christianity.
2005: Returns to Screen in Monster-in-Law
In 2005, Jane Fonda returned to the screen in the film 'Monster-in-Law' with Jennifer Lopez.
2005: Co-founding of the Women's Media Center
In 2005, Jane Fonda, along with Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem, co-founded the Women's Media Center. This organization works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, training, and content creation.
2005: Autobiography on the anti-aircraft gun photo
In her 2005 autobiography, Jane Fonda wrote that she felt manipulated into sitting on the North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun and was horrified by the implications of the photo.
September 17, 2006: Support for Feministiskt initiativ in Sweden
On September 17, 2006, Jane Fonda supported the new political party Feministiskt initiativ in their election campaign in Sweden.
2007: Honorary Palme d'Or
In 2007, Jane Fonda was awarded an Honorary Palme d'Or by Cannes Film Festival President Gilles Jacob for career achievement.
January 2009: Fonda's Broadway blog
In January 2009, Jane Fonda started a blog chronicling her return to Broadway, discussing topics from Pilates to her anxieties about her new play.
2009: Returns to Broadway in 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: Releases New Fitness Videos
In 2010, Jane Fonda released two new fitness videos on DVD, targeting an older audience.
2011: Fonda's explanation of the anti-aircraft gun photo on her website
In 2011, Jane Fonda provided an explanation on her official website regarding the circumstances surrounding the photograph of her sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun.
2011: Publication of Prime Time: Love, health, sex, fitness, friendship, spirit – making the most of all of your life
In 2011, Jane Fonda published "Prime Time: Love, health, sex, fitness, friendship, spirit – making the most of all of your life", sharing personal stories and insights on living life after 45 and especially after 60.
2011: Stars in All Together and Peace, Love and Misunderstanding
In 2011, Jane Fonda starred in the French film 'All Together' and 'Peace, Love and Misunderstanding'.
2012: Joins The Newsroom
In 2012, Jane Fonda began a recurring role in HBO's 'The Newsroom', receiving two Emmy nominations.
2013: Portrays Nancy Reagan in The Butler
In 2013, Jane Fonda played First Lady Nancy Reagan in 'The Butler', a film inspired by the life of White House butler Eugene Allen.
November 2014: Filming Completed for Grace and Frankie Season 1
In November 2014, filming was completed for the first season of 'Grace and Frankie'.
May 8, 2015: Grace and Frankie Premieres
On May 8, 2015, 'Grace and Frankie', starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, premiered on Netflix.
2015: Appears in Youth and Fathers and Daughters
In 2015, Jane Fonda appeared in 'Youth', for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination, and 'Fathers and Daughters'.
June 2016: Participates in 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: Selling arrest mugshot merchandise 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: Merchandise Sales for Charity
In 2017, Jane Fonda began selling merchandise featuring her mugshot image to benefit the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential.
2017: Stars in Our Souls at Night
In 2017, Jane Fonda starred in 'Our Souls at Night' with Robert Redford, receiving critical acclaim.
September 2018: Mugshot on HBO Documentary Billboard
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 large billboard erected in Times Square.
September 24, 2018: Jane Fonda in Five Acts Premieres on HBO
On September 24, 2018, 'Jane Fonda in Five Acts', a documentary about Jane Fonda's life, premiered on HBO.
December 5, 2019: Explanation of Climate Activism in New York Times Op-Ed
On December 5, 2019, Jane Fonda explained her climate activism position in a New York Times op-ed.
2019: Support for Environmental Organizations and Protests
Since at least 2019, Jane Fonda has supported global environmental organizations like GreenFaith and 350.org. She spoke at a Fire Drill Fridays protest in Washington, D.C., condemning the expansion of the fossil fuel industry.
March 2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders
In March 2020, Jane Fonda endorsed Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 election, referring to him as 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, HarperCollins published Jane Fonda's book, "What Can I Do?: The Truth About Climate Change and How to Fix It."
August 14, 2021: First Four Episodes of Grace and Frankie Final Season Premiere
On August 14, 2021, the first four episodes of the final season of 'Grace and Frankie' premiered.
August 2021: Support for Los Angeles LGBT Center Fundraiser
In August 2021, Jane Fonda, along with the cast of Grace and Frankie and other advocates, supported a fundraiser hosted by the Los Angeles LGBT Center to help members of the LGBTQ+ community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 23, 2021: Appears in Yearly Departed
On December 23, 2021, Jane Fonda appeared in the second installment of Amazon Prime Video's 'Yearly Departed'.
March 2022: Launch of Jane Fonda Climate PAC
In March 2022, Jane Fonda launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, a political action committee to oust politicians supporting the fossil fuel industry.
April 29, 2022: Final 12 Episodes of Grace and Frankie Released on Netflix
On April 29, 2022, the final 12 episodes of 'Grace and Frankie' were released on Netflix.
2022: Grace and Frankie Concludes
In 2022, the series 'Grace and Frankie' concluded after seven seasons.
September 2023: Participation in NYC March to End Fossil Fuels
In September 2023, Jane Fonda participated in New York City's March to End Fossil Fuels.
2023: Joins Cast of 80 for Brady
In 2023, Jane Fonda joined the cast of '80 for Brady' and starred in 'Moving On' and 'Book Club: The Next Chapter'.
September 2024: Signing Open Letter Urging Support for Californian AI Safety Bill
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.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
Justin Trudeau served as the rd Prime Minister of Canada...
Amazon Prime is a subscription service offering a variety of...
Trending
20 minutes ago Fiona Corcoran Named Cork Person of the Month for Chernobyl Charity Work
21 minutes ago Lorde and Charli XCX Unite for Surprise 'Work it Out' Remix in LA
23 hours ago Mia Goth Shines at 'Frankenstein' Premieres in New York and the UK
21 minutes ago Kendall Jenner Mocked by Ben Simmons' Sister Over Cooking and Family
22 minutes ago Shaq Appreciates Allen Iverson's Tearful Expression of Friendship, Calling Him 'Real'
8 days ago Jacob Elordi stars in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein; cast shines in new posters.
Popular
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
Charlie Kirk is an American right-wing political activist entrepreneur and...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Chuck Schumer is the senior United States Senator from New...