Life is a miracle.
While it’s true that behind a great man there’s always a great woman, the reverse is also true, especially if the man in question is the father. Jane Fonda is not only “Henry Fonda’s daughter”. From him she inherited extraordinary talent (awarded two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globes and an Emmy Award) along with a face, body and personality carved in marble. Of rebellious nature, Jane follows dad’s path only because prestigious acting teacher Lee Strasberg convinces her to attend the Actors Studio. And she was right. “She’s naturally talented and has an unquestionable appearance”, said her father Henry upon seeing Jane in her stage debut. From Tall Story, to Walk on the Wild Side, via The Chase and Barefoot in the Park, Jane impresses with her spontaneity and beauty, qualities that leave neither audiences nor Roger Vadim indifferent, who enlists her in the cast of La ronde. Never was the title more prophetic: the movie is followed by their marriage.
She becomes his muse, ‘his’ Barbarella and a worldwide sex symbol, a label that, however, fits her tightly. Et voilà, this beautiful ageless woman (even though she’s 86 years old at the registry office) tells her story with extreme sincerity, stating that she’s overjoyed because she lives a super busy life: “Growing old is not something to fear, but something to celebrate! Today I’m living a wonderful life, perhaps the best life I’ve ever lived, because you have to know that life gets better with age!”.
What changes as time goes by?
“The way you think, your priorities, or rather, it’s the order of your priorities that change… because you’re able to value what really matters”.
You won two Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role: one in 1972 for Klute and another in 1979 for Coming Home. Did they change your life?
“If I said no, I would be lying! Winning an Oscar is an incredible recognition for an actor! It has gratified me, made me proud of myself and my work and, most importantly, it gave a boost to my career”.
Last year you had four movies coming out including the comedy Book Club – The Next Chapter (sequel to Book Club), which was partly filmed in Italy, in Rome. What has impressed you most about this adventure?
“Of course Rome, which I visited far and wide! When I had days off the set, I went out early in the morning, around 6 a.m., to explore the city, alone, looking for new restaurants and ice-cream parlors. I think I knew almost all of them! It was a great experience. Moreover, I was together with three wonderful friends, that are the actresses I was making the film with: Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen and Diane Keaton. We had a great time both on and off the set, so it was like being on holidays”.
Speaking of female friends, it is often thought that friendship between women is rare. Have you ever had disagreement between you?
“It was all perfect. When I was younger, there was a belief that women were a bit mischievous, let alone four actresses working together… four leading ladies… one may think they’re going to be at each other’s throats, but that’s not true. We are friends and we love working together without jealousy or envy”.
How do you spend your free time when you are not on set?
“I spend it together with my three grandchildren! I also love walking and hiking. Moreover I’ve always been involved as an activist. I love this planet and I want to do everything I can to protect it. The climate is changing, we need everyone’s commitment, because if it continues like this, we could really get to catastrophic outcomes. Environmental engagement is my mission”.
Jane, still a beauty icon, anticipated the essence of the modern, energetic and purposeful woman. Her secret? Perhaps what Roger Vadim revealed: “Jane’s mystery lies in her changing moods. She can be sweet and sensual, aggressive and vulnerable, strong and fragile – all at the same time”.
Barbara Zorzoli
