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 highly acclaimed American actress and activist, celebrated for her extensive career spanning over six decades. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, she is recognized as a film icon. She has also received lifetime achievement awards such as the Honorary Palme d'Or, AFI Life Achievement Award, Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, Cecil B. DeMille Award and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, marking her significant impact and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Sections (6)

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

1973: Publication of Yves Lacoste's Analysis on Dike Bombing

In 1973, French geographer Yves Lacoste published an analysis concluding that the dike system in North Vietnam was intentionally targeted in the eastern region of the delta, with bombs consistently targeting the most vulnerable sections.

1988: Regret Expressed in Barbara Walters Interview

In a 1988 interview with Barbara Walters, Jane Fonda expressed regret for some of her comments and actions related to her activism.

1997: Dissolution of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee

In 1997, the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC), co-founded by Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand, dissolved after years of activism.

2001: Established the 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 prevent adolescent pregnancy through training and program development.

2002: Attended first V-Day summit

In 2002, Jane Fonda, an honorary chairperson of V-Day, attended the first summit, which brought together founder Eve Ensler, Afghan women oppressed by the Taliban, and a Kenyan activist campaigning against female genital mutilation. The V-Day movement aims to stop violence against women and was inspired by The Vagina Monologues.

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2005: Publication of Autobiography

In her 2005 autobiography, Jane Fonda wrote that she was manipulated into sitting on the anti-aircraft gun in North Vietnam and was horrified at the implications of the pictures.

2007: Honorary Palme d'Or

In 2007, Jane Fonda received the Honorary Palme d'Or award, recognizing her significant contributions to film.

December 2008: Induction into the 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.

2011: Explanation of Anti-Aircraft Gun Photo on Official Website

In 2011, Jane Fonda addressed the anti-aircraft gun photo incident on her official website, providing further explanation and context.

2014: Revelation of Mother's Abuse

In 2014, Jane Fonda revealed that her mother, Frances Ford Seymour, was recurrently sexually abused as young as eight, and this may have led to her suicide when Jane was 12.

2014: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2014, Jane Fonda was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, celebrating her career in film.

2017: Mugshot Merchandise to Benefit Charity

In 2017, Jane Fonda began selling merchandise featuring her mugshot image from her 1970 arrest to benefit the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential.

2017: Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement

In 2017, Jane Fonda received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, acknowledging her enduring impact on cinema.

2017: Statements on Rape and Abuse

In a 2017 interview with Brie Larson, published by People magazine, Jane Fonda discussed her experiences with rape and sexual abuse, emphasizing that it is not the victim's fault.

September 2018: HBO Documentary "Jane Fonda in Five Acts" Poster

In September 2018, Jane Fonda's mugshot from her 1970 arrest was used as the poster image for the HBO documentary on Fonda, "Jane Fonda in Five Acts", and a giant billboard was erected in Times Square.

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2018: Reflections on Relationships and Masculinity

In a 2018 interview, Jane Fonda reflected on her past relationships, stating that she sought validation from men until age 62 due to the lack of a female role model after her mother's death. She also commented on how some men feel diminished by strong, smart women.

September 2019: Appearance on British Vogue Cover and Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

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. She was also inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.