Jane Fonda Age, Bio, Career, Ex-Husband, Family & Net Worth

Jane Fonda, at 87 years old in 2025, is a name that has transcended generations. Whether you know her as an Oscar-winning actress, a passionate political activist, a best-selling fitness guru, or even the former wife of media mogul Ted Turner, one thing is certain: she has lived an extraordinary life. With a net worth of $200 million, Fonda has not only left a lasting impact on Hollywood but has also used her influence to champion social and environmental causes.

Early Life and Family Background

Born as Jane Seymour Fonda on December 21, 1937, in New York City, she came from a family deeply rooted in the arts and society. Her father, Henry Fonda, was one of the most celebrated actors of his time, while her mother, Frances Ford Brokaw, was a Canadian socialite. Unfortunately, Jane’s early years were marred by tragedy—her mother took her own life while being treated at a psychiatric hospital. Despite this painful loss, Jane pursued education at Greenwich Academy, the Emma Willard School, and later Vassar College before venturing into entertainment.

From Vogue Covers to Hollywood Stardom

Before taking Hollywood by storm, Jane started her career in modeling and even graced the cover of Vogue magazine twice. But acting was in her DNA. A charity performance of The Country Girl alongside her father set the stage for what would become an illustrious career.

Throughout the 1960s, Jane starred in numerous films, quickly establishing herself as a leading lady. Some of her early hits included Tall Story (1960), Walk on the Wild Side (1962), and Cat Ballou (1965), the latter of which truly cemented her star status. Then came Barbarella (1968), which not only became a cult classic but also turned Jane into an international sex symbol.

The Golden Era: Winning Oscars and Breaking Boundaries

The 1970s were arguably the most defining decade of Fonda’s acting career. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Klute (1971), followed by a second Oscar win for Coming Home (1978). Other standout films during this time included Julia (1977) and The China Syndrome (1979), which won her a BAFTA Award.

In 1980, she delivered yet another box office hit, 9 to 5, starring alongside Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. The film became one of the highest-grossing releases of the year. Another deeply personal project was On Golden Pond (1981), where she finally shared the screen with her father. The experience helped mend their strained relationship, and Henry Fonda even won his first Oscar for the film.

Stepping Away and a Grand Comeback

In 1991, Jane shocked Hollywood by announcing her retirement from acting. Her final film before stepping away was Stanley & Iris (1990). For the next 15 years, she focused on other aspects of her life, including activism, writing, and her fitness empire. However, in 2005, she made a much-anticipated return with Monster-in-Law opposite Jennifer Lopez.

She continued working in films like Georgia Rule (2007) and The Butler (2013), along with making appearances in The Newsroom and The Simpsons. More recently, she starred in Grace and Frankie, the Netflix hit that ran for seven seasons, solidifying her as an evergreen icon. Her 2022-2023 film projects include Moving On, 80 for Brady, and Book Club: The Next Chapter.

Fitness Guru: How Jane Fonda Changed the Industry

Jane Fonda is not just an actress—she revolutionized the fitness industry. After sustaining a foot injury during The China Syndrome, she turned to aerobics as a way to stay active. Teaming up with Leni Cazden, she launched Jane Fonda’s Workout, which became a pop culture phenomenon. Her exercise videos sold millions of copies, inspiring a whole generation to embrace fitness. From 1981 to 1995, she released 23 workout videos, five fitness books, and 13 audio programs. In 2010, she made a return to fitness with DVDs aimed at an older audience, proving that age is just a number when it comes to health and wellness.

Political Activism: The Hanoi Jane Controversy and Beyond

Fonda’s activism has been as high-profile as her acting career—sometimes even more controversial. She was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and earned the infamous nickname “Hanoi Jane” after being photographed sitting on an anti-aircraft gun during a visit to North Vietnam in 1972. The image caused public outrage, and though she has expressed regret for the photo, she has never apologized for her anti-war stance.

Her activism didn’t stop there. She was a supporter of the Black Panthers in the early ’70s and has been a vocal advocate for feminist and environmental causes. In 2022, she launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, aimed at fighting politicians who support the fossil fuel industry.

The Ted Turner Years and Divorce Settlement

Jane Fonda has been married three times. Her first marriage was to French director Roger Vadim (1965-1973), with whom she had a daughter, Vanessa. She then married activist Tom Hayden (1973-1990), and together they had a son, Troy Garity, and also adopted a child.

Her most high-profile marriage, however, was with CNN founder Ted Turner (1991-2001). Their divorce settlement reportedly earned her over $100 million, including stock in Turner’s company, prime real estate, and liquid assets. Though an enormous sum, it was just a fraction of Turner’s vast wealth.

Health Struggles and Resilience

Fonda has faced her share of health challenges. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and successfully underwent treatment in 2010. In 2019, she had a cancerous growth removed from her lip. Then, in September 2022, she announced that she had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and had begun chemotherapy. Fortunately, by December 2022, she revealed that her cancer was in remission, once again proving her resilience.

Jane Fonda’s Real Estate Portfolio

Jane Fonda has owned several impressive properties over the years. She once owned a stunning 2,000-acre ranch in New Mexico and a lavish loft in Atlanta. In 2018, she sold her Beverly Hills home for $8.5 million, and in 2017, she purchased a townhome in Los Angeles’ Century City for $5.45 million.

At 87 years old, Jane Fonda continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Whether through her legendary film career, groundbreaking fitness empire, or fearless activism, she has left an indelible mark on history. With a net worth of $200 million, she remains a symbol of success, resilience, and reinvention.

Through it all, she has never stopped evolving—proving that age is just a number and that a life well-lived is one filled with passion, purpose, and a little bit of rebellion.

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