These 40 Photos of a Young Jane Fonda Are Proof That She’s Ageless
It looks like years of acting and activism are key to a youthful glow.
If one thing is certain about Jane Fonda’s decades-long career, it’s that she has no problem taking a stand—or center stage. From her early years on Broadway to her on-screen debut in the '60s, Fonda's life has been marked by a driven career in Hollywood and a commitment to political, social, and environmental activism. Celebrating Fonda for her many accomplishments also leaves us in awe of her seemingly ageless looks. Even now, at 83, Fonda continues to act and rally—to speak up and out—with a glow as youthful as her passionate spirit. And she’s still hitting milestones: At this year’s 78th Golden Globe Awards, Fonda will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” Below, browse through our favorite images of Jane Fonda in her younger years.
1945
A young Jane Fonda and her father, actor Henry Fonda, play with a sailing boat in a swimming pool.
1954
As a teenager, Fonda is photographed boarding a plane to Los Angeles with her family. She's traveling with her brother, Peter, as well as her father, stepmother, and half sister.
1955
Eager to follow her father into show business, Fonda began to study acting at Lee Strasberg's famous Actors Studio in New York. Here, the actress is photographed while backstage at a theater.
1956
Fonda rocks a denim button-down and high-waisted pants while vacationing in Los Angeles.
1959
The actress adjusts her costume in her dressing room on the set of The Deputy. The emerging star earned a role alongside her father, Henry Fonda, on the television show.
1959
Fonda poses for Vogue magazine holding a cigarette while wearing a plaid wool dress and brown suede belt.
1960
Fonda is pictured standing outside in New York City.
1960
On the same day, Fonda was photographed with her father Henry outside of Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Times Square, New York.
1960
Fonda and Anthony Perkins enjoy a hot beverage between takes on the set of Tall Story in 1960. The actress, who was 23 years old at the time, made her film debut in the project.
1961
Fonda wraps her hair in a chiffon headscarf as she boards a TWA plane in 1961.
1963
On the set of Sunday in New York, Fonda chats with her visiting brother and father. All three actors look over the script together.
1963
The actress poses for a photograph in front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in a cream sweater dress and polka dot silk headscarf.
1963
Fonda throws a button-down over her bikini while filming a movie in the South of France.
1965
While giving press interviews, Fonda posts up on a couch in a room at the The Savoy Hotel in London.
1965
A teenage Fonda poses in a yellow and white striped sweater and classic 1960s hairdo.
1965
Fonda and Roger Vadim dig into a wedding cake while visiting a Las Vegas hotel shortly after their nuptials. The couple tied the knot in a French courthouse in 1965.
1965
Fonda is photographed with red roses that adorn her pink sheer button-up and elaborate up-do.
1965
The actress throws her long hair into an effortless chignon for a day at the beach with husband, Roger Vadim.
1965
Fonda poses with a coupe of champagne, wearing a pink sleeveless top, for a portrait.
1966
Fonda wears a burnt orange shift dress and red statement necklace at the Venice Film Festival. The actress was accompanied by her husband to the event.
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
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