How Jane Fonda Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Jane Fonda—a timeline of influence.

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).

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1973: Yves Lacoste publishes analysis of the dike system

In 1973, French geographer Yves Lacoste published an analysis concluding that the dike system was intentionally targeted by bombings in the eastern region of the delta, resulting in damage that left them vulnerable to failure in subsequent flooding.

December 2008: Induction into California Hall of Fame

In December 2008, Jane Fonda was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, located at The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts.

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.

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.

Prime Time: Love, Health, Sex, Fitness, Friendship, Spirit; Making the Most of All of Your Life by Jane Fonda (2011-08-11)

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2014: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2014, Jane Fonda was selected as the 42nd recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award.

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: Goldene Kamera lifetime achievement award

In 2017, Jane Fonda received a Goldene Kamera lifetime achievement award.

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.

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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.

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2018: Fonda's views on seeking validation from men

In a 2018 interview, Jane Fonda discussed her past need for male validation and her views on masculinity, stating she is no longer dating.

2021: Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2021, Jane Fonda received a Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 78th Golden Globe Awards.

September 2023: Receiving the John Steinbeck Award

In September 2023, Jane Fonda received the John Steinbeck “In the Souls of the People” Award.

2024: Los Angeles County and Jane Fonda Day

In 2024, Los Angeles County initially planned to name April 30 as "Jane Fonda Day" for her environmental work, but it faced backlash from the Vietnamese American community due to its overlap with Black April. The date was later moved to April 8.