Jane Fonda has once again upset the “American patriots,” this time with her appearance at the SAG awards. The actress has been called everything under the sun, including an “anti-American communist,” a “traitor,” and of course, “Hanoi Jane,” all in a vain attempt at bullying her for speaking out against the current U.S. government.

The veteran actor was given a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her remarkable contributions throughout her career at the Screen Actors Guild ceremony on Sunday. Fonda gave a moving acceptance speech while also addressing the current political climate of the U.S. As you can imagine, this didn’t go over well with a lot of Republicans. Fonda focused on empathy and spoke about what being “woke” really meant during her speech while throwing shade at those in power.

“Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or ‘woke’ – and by the way, ‘woke’ just means you give a damn about other people… A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way.”

Of course, Republicans on X responded with all kinds of immature and frankly outdated insults because not only do they lack empathy, they also lack imagination.

Jane Fonda thinks woke means you “give a damn about people.”

Hey Hanoi Jane, did you “give a damn” about the American servicemen you betrayed in Vietnam?

Woke is just communist propaganda, so I'm not surprised that Jane proudly identifies with it.pic.twitter.com/TykY4CUyql

— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) February 24, 2025

The “Hanoi Jane” epithet came up frequently.

Jane Fonda remains unchanged from her "Hanoi Jane" days she will always be an anti-American communist. pic.twitter.com/nImIB29tCq

— James Sears (@havemoremoney) February 24, 2025

Don’t they arrest Traitors anymore? #HanoiJane pic.twitter.com/jGlOWpH22k

— Mean Mr. Gene (@MeanMrGene) February 24, 2025

All this really served to do was prove exactly what Fonda was saying. Empathy and unity are what the country needs right now, but somehow the very thought of this has prompted some very hateful people to start hurling insults at the 87-year-old. Not that someone like Jane Fonda would probably even care about a bunch of nobodies trash-talking her online, after all, the best they could come up with was “Hanoi Jane,” an insult from over 50 years ago.

What is the origin of the “Hanoi Jane” insult?

Fonda has always been a political activist. Ever since she’s had a platform, she’s used it to speak out against war, injustice, and the government in general. She gained notoriety with many during the 1970s, when she began loudly protesting against the Vietnam War. She ed the FTA show in 1971, which was an anti-Vietnam war road show. 

The following year, Fonda travelled to North Vietnam and appeared on numerous radio programs decrying the U.S. military policies in the country. During that trip she was also photographed sitting on an anti-aircraft gun in Hanoi. All of this earned her a great deal of outrage back in the U.S., with lawmakers calling her actions treasonous and giving her the nickname “Hanoi Jane.”

In the years since the Vietnam War, it’s become pretty clear that the foreign policy of the U.S. at that time was a mistake. Fonda wasn’t the only one at the time to see it that way, but she was certainly one of the loudest. To bring back the Hanoi Jane label in 2025 is ridiculous, but it just goes to show how little thought goes into insults from the MAGA crowd. The best ammunition they have against Fonda is a name from over fifty years ago.

Actor and activist Jane Fonda took to the SAG Awards stage last night and told her peers to wake up and put their money where their mouth is. While accepting the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, the Barbarella and 9 to 5 icon addressed the U.S.’s tumultuous political climate, the importance of unions, and ‘woke’ culture.

Urging the crowd in attendance as well as those watching from home to fight hatred with comion, the 87-year-old said, “What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls.”

Fonda also demolished the disturbing backtracking of progressive social politics and the changing tides of culture seen during Trump’s second istration: “make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke.” Amid entertainment behemoths and tech giants bowing down to the Republicans in power, she added, “By the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.”

Jane Fonda using her SAG Lifetime Achievement speech to praise unions…queen tbh

"I'm a big believer in unions. They have our backs, they bring us into community, and they give us power. Community means power, and this is really important right now when workers' power is being… pic.twitter.com/8c9jond1n3

— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) February 24, 2025

It’s normal for these kinds of speeches at awards shows to draw ire from people who are suspicious of celebrities truly understanding the everyday voter issues of the average person, unable to relate to the general public while they sit in their Californian mansions. Fonda, however, is no stranger to being outspoken about politics, or the minorities impacted by regressive legislation and changing tides.

She has been arrested on several occasions for protesting, one time even spending her birthday behind bars. She also reels in celebrity friends to aid in the publicity for different social movements, using her privilege for good instead of denying it exists. And that’s not even mentioning the life-altering home video workouts she filmed in the 80s.

She’s not scared of putting the effort into direct confrontation either, often debating politics with people on the other side of the aisle. In Dec. 2024 Fonda sat down with Bill Maher, and quite frankly made him look like a clown on his own podcast, Club Random. While keeping an air of decorum and good faith in their discussion, Fonda said, “I’m not cynical and I’ve been around longer than you. You could be my son.”

As explained in the documentary Jane Fonda in Five Acts, her outspoken, counterculture, nature has often landed her in hot water with the public, particularly when she infamously visited Vietnam when the U.S. was at war with the nation in the 1970s. But it’s safe to say history has proven her right on that one. Whether her efforts always come off well or not, there has always seemed to be an intention to approach all of humanity with an open heart and to create dialogues.

Fonda also used the moment to praise unions: “this is really important right now when workers’ power is being attacked, and community is being weakened”. She concluded by stating the country is in a “documentary moment” now, implying that choices made today will be scrutinized tomorrow. She also offered encouragement, saying, “There will still be beauty, and there will be an ocean of truth for us to swim in” after. Now, let’s get some of that fiery sentiment in the useless and flaccid Democratic opposition!

Jane Fonda has delivered a rousing speech about supposed wokeness while accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

The actress was honored at the star-studded event for her 65-year career, which includes credits like Barbarella, Grace and Frankie, and 9 to 5, among many others. Taking to the stage, Fonda addressed the current political climate in the U.S., and urged Hollywood to “successfully resist” the Donald Trump-induced wave by relying on a “community of unions.” The 87-year-old coalesced her thoughts around the profession of acting, the aim of which she said was to “create… empathy.”

Jane Fonda accepts her SAG Lifetime Achievement Award after an unforgettable acceptance speech. #SAGAwards pic.twitter.com/olM2iiQGa4

— Netflix (@netflix) February 24, 2025

“What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls,” Fonda said. It was then that she delivered the mic drop moment of her speech, telling the crowd that “empathy is not weak or ‘woke,’” and reminding them that “woke just means you give a damn about other people.” The zinger was met with rapturous applause from the audience, and many social media s likewise revelled in Fonda’s roaring declaration. 

Elsewhere in the speech, Fonda appeared to make reference to many of Trump’s policies, addressing everything from his attacks on DEI hires, his federal job cuts, and his attack on woke culture. “A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening,” she said. “Even if they’re of a different political persuasion, we need to not judge but listen from our hearts…” Then, Fonda issued a rallying call for Hollywood, reminding them that the current political climate is “not a rehearsal” and urging them to “be brave” in their resistance.

Empathy is not weak or "woke." And, by the way, "woke" just means you give a damn about other people."

—Jane Fonda accepting her SAG Lifetime Achievement Award pic.twitter.com/HMZcHzfR0J

— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) February 24, 2025

“We must not isolate, we must stay in community, we must help the vulnerable and find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future,” she said. “One that is beckoning and welcoming.” Of course, Fonda’s views are hardly surprising, since she campaigned vehemently for Kamala Harris during the presidential race and has shown no qualms in expressing her thoughts on the current president. Last August, for example, she rightfully predicted that a second Trump presidency would be a “total disaster” — and yet here we all are.  

“woke just means you give a damn about other people” JANE FONDA I LOVE U #SAGAWARDS pic.twitter.com/0jRGkPnZGC

— lara (@ghostinkissys) February 24, 2025

“Woke means you give a damn about people.”

-Jane Fonda#SAGAwardsOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/t7em6ww7AL

— Love It Or Lead It (@loveitorleadit) February 24, 2025

Fonda’s speech was one of multiple notable moments for the glitzy event, which was hosted by Kristen Bell at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. In what was his first win along the awards circuit, Timothée Chalamet took home the trophy for Best Actor for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, while Demi Moore took him the corresponding award for The Substance. 

JANE FONDA, WHAT A WOMAN, WHAT AN INCREDIBLE SPEECH, WHAT A FCKING ICON #SAGAwards pic.twitter.com/RYPfaGdVxO

— ana (@jaileydream) February 24, 2025

“I’m not done”. -Jane Fonda. Living legend. #SAGAwardsOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/HwLuNo0OtJ

— Nicksss (@niccfg) February 24, 2025

For its part, papal drama Conclave received the night’s biggest award, taking home the win for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture over fellow nominees Wicked, Anora and Emilia Pérez.  The SAG Awards ceremony is the final major awards show before the Academy Awards, which this year take place on March 3.

Few stars have left a mark on Hollywood quite like Jane Fonda. With a career that spans decades, multiple Academy Awards, and a fitness empire that changed the industry, she has remained a household name. Even in her late 80s, Fonda is still going strong, whether it’s acting, activism, or business, she’s still killing it! That’s why it’s no surprise that she’s amassed such a huge fortune. Beyond her Hollywood status, Fonda is sitting atop an impressive financial empire.

From Hollywood legacy to leading lady

Born into fame as the daughter of the legendary Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda had a natural introduction to the entertainment world. She’s the first to it that having a famous last name gave her an edge, but she worked hard to prove she was more than just Hollywood royalty. Fonda may have been born into Hollywood royalty but she didn’t coast on her last name. In a conversation with the Harvard Business Review, Fonda shared that she was determined not to ride the wave of her last name.

“When I became an actress, the fact that my father was a movie star was an advantage—no question—because people paid more attention to me than they would have if I were just another actress. Also, internally, I wanted to be sure that I wasn’t getting parts because I was Henry Fonda’s daughter, so I worked harder.”

After a rocky start as a secretary, she found her calling in acting. Encouraged by renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg, she quickly rose to fame in the 1960s. By the ’70s, she was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. She won two Academy Awards: One for Klute (1972) and another for Coming Home (1979). She also earned critical acclaim for her roles in The Dollmaker and On Golden Pond. Even today, fans adore her work in Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. And despite her star power, Fonda has been vocal about the pay disparities she faced early in her career. Like many women in Hollywood, she was paid significantly less than her male co-stars. But that didn’t stop her from building an empire beyond acting.

What is Jane Fonda’s net worth?

Jane Fonda’s impact on Hollywood and activism is undeniable, and her financial success reflects that. With an estimated net worth of $200 million in 2025, Fonda has built her fortune through a combination of acting, business ventures, and strategic decisions. One of her most unexpected money-makers was fitness videos. In the early ’80s, Fonda released Jane Fonda’s Workout, which became a cultural phenomenon. It sold millions of copies and helped kickstart the home workout trend. 

Over the years, she released 26 more workout videos, including a yoga program in 2012. While the exact numbers aren’t public, it’s safe to say they added significantly to her fortune. Fonda also donated all the proceeds from her first workout video to the Campaign for Economic Democracy, a nonprofit she co-founded with her then-husband, Tom Hayden.

Another key contributor to Fonda’s wealth was her divorce from media mogul Ted Turner. When their marriage ended in 2001, Fonda reportedly received a settlement worth between $40 million and $100 million, including cash and stocks. While she was already successful on her own, this certainly boosted her financial standing.

Jane Fonda held no punches while discussing politics with Bill Maher, telling the commentator he is “so cynical” for his views of the far-left. 

In a scene that feels pulled from my family’s Thanksgiving Day dinner table, the pair somewhat tersely discussed the left movement during Fonda’s appearance on Maher’s podcast, Club Random. Maher, who has characterized himself an “old school liberal” (which might explain why he’s smoking a cigar during the chat) took issue with the far-left, which he said was partly responsible for Donald Trump’s election victory. 

“The far-left has gone so nutty on so many issues,” Maher said, before claiming that some left-leaning policies “make people roll their eyes.” Among other supposedly eye roll-worthy policies, Maher cited the NAA’s decision to issue an advisory warning for people of color travelling to Florida, as well as the issue of “men getting pregnant.” While he clarified that trans women pregnancies are “different than a man getting pregnant,”  these apparently left policies made “the average person” question whether “you people ever find anything that’s ridiculous.”

In response, Fonda bluntly said that left-leaning citizens have “been told” they’re going nutty by “people like [Maher],” in one of many curt interactions between the pair. Taking issue with Maher’s framing of the left — and how he highlighted its more “extreme” ends — Fonda said she had “never heard of men getting pregnant [and] I’ve never heard of this argument.” Fonda then said that the issue “must be part of what you call the ‘far-left’ that is so miniscule.” 

After Maher suggested that perhaps Fonda — who campaigned heavily for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign — isn’t across the news websites that might report on such issues, the actress and activist replied, “You’re right, maybe I should watch Fox News,” which is exactly the kind of outlet who would cover such stories to demonize the left. Further along in the chat, the pair discussed how their opinions seem to clash on many topics, with Fonda telling Maher, “You’re so different than me, it’s hard for me sometimes to understand what you’re talking about.”

Fonda declared that she “sees people differently” and said Maher is “very cynical,” which opposes her own worldview despite being much older than Maher. “I’m not cynical and I’ve been around longer than you,” Fonda said. “You could be my son… I’d put you over my knees and spank you.” Despite their differences of opinion, Maher and Fonda maintain a friendly rapport throughout the chat, which is refreshing and more than I can say of my own Thanksgiving Day discussion with *that* uncle.

One thing they did agree on elsewhere in the interview was the issue of Trump’s second presidency. Since Maher believes he already “did all the Trump stuff” and had labelled him a “con man before anybody else,” the onset of another four years discussing the president-elect has meant he has become “bored of it,” to the point where he “may quit.” Offering a solution to Maher’s issue with Trump — whom he said will continue to “dominate the news like he always does” — Fonda suggested that he pivot to discuss topics other than the former president (that would be nice, wouldn’t it?).

While they sparred frequently in the interview, Fonda said they could at least agree that their beverage of choice, a glass of tequila, was “really good.” I similarly downed far too many tequilas the last time my uncle mentioned the MAGAs, so I see where she’s coming from.

Jane Fonda has given residents in Michigan a welcome surprise, as footage of the Hollywood icon door-knocking in of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has moved some voters to tears. 

The Grace & Frankie actress — who has been vocal about her of the Democratic candidate ever since Joe Biden withdrew from the race — was seen appearing at the doors of residents in Ann Arbor. Fonda arrived in the neighborhood complete with a very official-looking clipboard and perhaps the chicest haircut this writer has ever seen, delivering the kind of star power that could probably win over even the most stubborn voters. 

In one clip shared by the “Kamala for Michigan” page on X, Fonda can be seen meeting and hugging a voter on her doorstep. The resident — who has probably seen 9 to 5, Barbarella, 80 for Brady, or any number of Fonda’s iconic films — said in the video that meeting the actress “makes me want to cry,” before thanking her for canvassing votes and working for the Harris campaign. 

For her part, Fonda revealed that she had never engaged in a door-knocking campaign for a presidential nominee before and shared an anecdote about her ex-husband living in the Michigan town of Royal Oak. The actress also stressed the gravity of Harris’ presidential campaign, saying “this is such an important election” and itting that she’s “doing everything [she] can” to ensure a Harris victory. 

“We have to, have to, have to get them elected,” Fonda stressed. The actress was in town to speak at an event hosted at a Harris campaign office, where she discussed the election issue of climate. The topic is something Fonda has long been ionate about, to the point where she was even arrested while participating in a climate protest in 2019. “We can’t lose four years,” Fonda said at the climate in Michigan (per MLive).

“We’re going in the wrong direction, and we’re going to be galloping in the wrong direction if Trump gets elected.” It isn’t the first time Fonda has thrown her behind Harris, having shared her official endorsement of the candidate in August with a social media video promoting the campaign’s climate policies.

Fonda is one of multiple celebrities to flock to the Harris campaign, the buzziest of which arrived last week when Taylor Swift firmly backed the Democratic hopeful and sent Republican nominee Donald Trump into a rageful (albeit predictable) tailspin. ing the Harris train alongside Fonda and Swift are Mark Ruffalo, Mark Hamill, Bette Midler, and Olivia Rodrigo, among many other celebrities. 

Fonda’s appearance in Michigan comes in the same week that Trump hosted a town hall in Flint, during which he reportedly exaggerated the crowd attendance numbers (again). Since they’re in the same state, maybe Fonda can meet Trump in person to call him the “orange man,” as she did on a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmell’s late-night show. If that does happen, I hope there’s a camera recording every micro-second so we can watch it all unfold.  

There isn’t anyone better to have in your corner than Jane Fonda. The counterculture icon is well known for going to bat over political issues near and dear to her heart, and long before Kamala Harris’ campaign started crying “We are not going back,” Fonda was championing the call.

Now, Fonda has fully stepped back into her role as an activist and is throwing her weight behind the only candidate who aligns with her revolutionary values.

On August 5, Fonda took to X to post a short video full of praise for the former VP, saying she’s “proud to endorse Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States.”

The Barbarella actress has always been a revolutionary. In 1977, she told Newsweek, “To be a revolutionary you have to be a human being. You have to care about people who have no power.” She’s been walking the walk ever since.  

When Donald Trump was dodging the draft due to “bone spurs,” Fonda endeavored to bring awareness to the atrocities of the Vietnam War. While Trump was sleeping his way through New York and calling women’s vaginas “potential landmines,” Fonda was advocating for women’s rights.  

After calling Trump a “total disaster for our democracy and for our planet,” she goes through a laundry list of reasons why Harris is “the right person for the job.” A longtime advocate, Fonda knows what goes into the fight for equality.

The actress-turned-activist was heavily involved in the Civil Rights movement and publicly endorsed the Black Panthers. She’s been a champion of the feminist movement since the 1970s and became the face of the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War.

“I have faith in Kamala’s record of putting our planet and its people before corporate greed.”

She has faith that Harris “will fight for democracy, our rights, and a livable future.”

With a laugh, the gorgeous icon acknowledges her age (she’s nearly 87) and points to the times she felt, “Tectonic shifts rearrange the pieces” of her life, and warns “We’re living through just such a moment. Everything is on the line.” If anyone knows those feelings of impending change, it’s Fonda.

“I hope you can feel not just the excitement but the possibility that this movement holds,” she told viewers.

Another thing Fonda is acutely aware of is the impact that words can have. Her work in Vietnam infuriated plenty of Americans. A controversial photo of Fonda sitting with northern Vietnamese troops and calling American POWs “War Criminals” was more than divisive and labeled her as a public enemy to more than a few of her countrymen.  

Years later, she told Barbara Walters that she regretted some of her comments and actions during the anti-war movement.

“I was trying to help end the killing and the war, but there were times when I was thoughtless and careless about it and I’m very sorry that I hurt them [the soldiers].” she continued, “It galvanized such hostility. It was the most horrible thing I could possibly have done. It was just thoughtless.”

But just like her activism in the 60s, Fonda knows that the only way to make progress is by ruffling some feathers. Donald Trump has never taken ability for his words or actions. The man has no spine and doesn’t deserve to sit in the Oval Office again. Fonda is absolutely correct as she implores her fans, “to come together with everything we have and fight like hell to elect Kamala Harris as the next president.”

There is no shortage of movies out there starring an actor and their own child, but what are the best ones ever made? In honor of recent movies that fulfill this niche, such as Netflix’s You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, starring Adam Sandler and his daughter Sadie, we’ve decided to put together our all-time best list for this category of movies.

As a testament to movies that celebrate Hollywood stars and their famous children, a new entry in this genre is releasing to theaters this week with the thriller The Kill Room, which stars Uma Thurman and her daughter, Maya Hawke, the Stranger Things star whom she shares with actor Ethan Hawke. What is the draw for movies such as this? While some may decry them as examples of Hollywood nepotism run amok, others hold them up as inspiring instances of acting talent being an inheritable trait. Whatever the case, let’s count down the very best examples of when an actor and their kid have undeniable onscreen chemistry for the entertainment of us all. For this list, we are only counting movies whose child stars have significant roles, even if they are small ones, but something more substantial than a mere cameo.

10. Thor: Love and Thunder

While Thor: Love and Thunder may not be the most critically acclaimed entry in the Marvel pantheon, it does have its high points. For instance, it’s one of the best movies in the MCU to watch when it comes to cute kids having prominent roles. Two of star Chris Hemsworth’s three kids are in the movie, including his son Tristan playing a younger version of Thor and daughter India playing the character of Love, according to People. You can also find children of co-stars Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, and director and Korg actor Taika Waititi in the movie.

9. Knocked Up & This Is 40

Judd Apatow‘s Knocked Up and its spinoff/sequel, This Is 40, both feature the director’s own daughters, Maude and Iris, whom he shares with his wife and star of both movies, Leslie Mann. While Knocked Up was more beloved by audiences and critics, overall, the kids only have minor cameos. However, in This Is 40, they are both given more substantial roles as characters fairly central to the story.

8. Rocky V

Sylvester Stallone’s son, Sage, starred alongside the Italian Stallion for Rocky V as the character’s own kid, Rocky Jr. While it may not be the most critically acclaimed installment in the Rocky series, the film still stands as a loving tribute to Sage all these years later, particularly since his tragic ing in 2012. With that said, the movie does have something of a cult status among fans due to taking the Rocky character back to being penniless and dealing with street-level stakes like earlier installments.

7. Ricki and the Flash

Though Ricki and the Flash did not garner the best reviews upon release, the movie is looked back upon with fondness by many fans due to its heartfelt story of a woman who abandoned her family to seek glory as a rock star, played by Meryl Streep, returning to her daughter, played by Streep’s own daughter Mamie Gummer, in order to try and mend their broken relationship. Sprinkle in Streep covering Lady Gaga in a punk rock uniform, Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme in the director’s chair for his final movie before his untimely death, and a script penned by Academy Award-winning screenplay writer Diablo Cody, and you have the ingredients for what is sure to be a future cult classic.

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I & II

Both Brendan Gleeson and his son, Domhnall Gleeson, starred in the critically acclaimed two-part finale to the Wizarding World franchise Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I and II. Though they don’t play characters who are related, they did share a scene together in Part I. While Brandon has appeared in several Harry Potter films as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, Domhnall only came into the fold for the final two films as Bill Weasley, Ron’s older brother. However, both characters had key roles to play in the final battle against Ralph Fiennes’ Lord Voldemort.

5. Deepwater Horizon

Deepwater Horizon is the critically acclaimed film based on the true story of one of the world’s worst ecological disasters starring Mark Wahlberg. The movie also features Kurt Russell and his daughter, Kate Hudson, whom he shares with another famous actress, Goldie Hawn. They both play significant ing characters, as well.

4. Melancholia

Lars von Trier’s acclaimed Melancholia may be most notable for Kirsten Dunst’s performance that proved she is one of the most prestige actresses of her generation, but the atmospheric meditation on depression with a sci-fi twist also features a pair of very famous actors who also happen to be father and son. Specifically, Alexander Skarsgård plays Dunst’s would-be husband during a doomed wedding in which his best man is his wife’s boss, played by Alexandar’s father, Stellan Skarsgård. The characters aren’t blood-related in the movie, but it’s still great to see them perform alongside each other in prominent roles in this excellent modern classic.

3. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Adam Sandler has been slowly digging himself out of a rut in recent years thanks to critically acclaimed films like Uncut Gems and Hustle, with the latest example being a movie he produced and co-starred in for Netflix, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. However, the real star of the show here is Sandler’s own daughter, Sadie, who plays the protagonist Stacy Friedman in this coming-of-age comedy. The movie, which features the pair playing father and daughter characters, proved to be a hit with critics and mostly resonated well with its intended younger teen audience.

2. On Golden Pond

On Golden Pond is notable for not only garnering Hollywood legend Henry Fonda his first competitive acting Oscar, but for being an emotional send-off for his family thanks to sharing the screen with his daughter and fellow Academy Award-winner, Jane Fonda. The family drama that also stars Katharine Hepburn in a role that won her an Oscar, too, focuses on Henry’s character rekindling the relationship with his estranged daughter, played by Jane, by way of bonding with her boyfriend’s son, Doug McKeon’s Billy.

As Jane once explained in an interview, she bought the rights to the stage play in order to make the movie specifically to work with her dad because she knew he was dying at the time, and he eventually did away five months after the movie was completed. Both Henry and his daughter were nominated for the film, with Jane accepting the Oscar that he won for the movie on his behalf. On Golden Pond has been beloved as a feel-good classic ever since.

1. The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness boasts a stellar reputation to this day, particularly amongst film fans, not least of all for its heart-warming and eye-watering depiction of a father and son’s unbreakable bond played by Will Smith and his real-life kid, Jaden. The film, which is based on a true story and focuses on the plight of a homeless salesman, garnered Will his second Oscar nomination 15 years before his eventual win for King Richard in 2022.

On a recent Watch What Happens Live episode, Oscar-winner Jane Fonda was willing to expose at least one director who made unwanted advances toward her. When host Andy Cohen asked Fonda to name a director who tried to pick her up, the actor singled out French director René Clément, per Variety.

Fonda explained: “Well, he wanted to go to bed with me because he said the character had to have an orgasm in the movie and he needed to see what my orgasms were like. He said it in French, and I pretended I didn’t understand.” This was during the production of the MGM-backed 1964 thriller Joy House, in which Fonda starred opposite Alain Delon and Lola Albright.

Clément was a celebrated French director known for The Battle of the Rails (1946), Purple Noon (1960), and Is Paris Burning? (1966). He received five prizes from the Cannes Film Festival during his career as well as ’s national film award, the Honorary César, in 1984. At the time of production on Joy House, Clément was 51 and Fonda was 27.

Perhaps Fonda was willing to tell the truth about Clément because he’s been dead since 1996, but she implied she has even more sordid tales, telling Cohen, “I have stories for you, kid, [but] we don’t have time.”

Fonda’s comments contribute to an already swirling maelstrom of criticism surrounding the American and French film industries, which are both under the microscope this week as the 2023 Cannes Film Festival continues. Yesterday, Johnny Depp was moved to tears by a seven-minute ovation while outside the theater French feminists circulated pamphlets listing abuse allegations against him by ex-wife Amber Heard.

In addition, Portrait of a Lady on Fire actor Adele Haenel published an open letter this month wherein she announces that she’s leaving the film business and criticizes the film festival for being “ready to do anything to defend their rapist chiefs.” The letter singles out filmmakers such as Roman Polanski and Gerard Depardieu.

Theirry Frémaux, director of the festival, told the press that Haenel “didn’t think that when she came to Cannes unless she suffered from a crazy dissonance,” adding, “[I]f you thought that it’s a festival for rapists, you wouldn’t be here listening to me. You would not be complaining that you can’t get tickets to get into screenings.”

We’re not sure who the “you” is in that last quote. If he means Haenel, she probably went to Cannes to the female-led film she starred in. If Frémaux means the press, well, it’s their literal job to be there. If he means the editorial “you,” surely he’s capable of understanding that some people would shell out a large chunk of money to see the spectacle of Cannes firsthand, but that doesn’t preclude them from realizing once they’re inside that the festival still celebrates and shields problematic artists.

Aren’t the French familiar with the concept of buyer’s remorse?

The View has been home to controversial moments in the past, but the ABC daytime talk show is facing yet another mark on its record after decorated Hollywood actress and lifetime activist Jane Fonda made a joke about murdering pro-life ers on live TV. 

When asked by host Joy Behar what she would do in addition to marching and protesting against the Supreme Court overturn of Roe vs. Wade, Fonda’s answer was short and sweet: “Well, I’ve thought of murder.”

As swiftly as the sun rises, far-right Georgia U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene swooped in online, lighting a fire to a situation that was already a tinderbox. Posting to both her personal and congressional Twitter s, Greene lashed out at Fonda and The View for perpetuating violence.

What’s more, Greene said she would no longer vote to fund the police unless the FBI and the Department of Justice “step up and hold @Janefonda and @TheView able for calling for the murder of Pro-Life Politicians like me… I will not be voting to fund the FBI and DOJ unless the two-tiered justice system is stopped.”

Until recently, “Back the Blue” was Greene’s slogan, and defunding the police was a far-left notion she opposed. In the years since George Floyd’s murder in 2020, that’s changed. In addition to calling for the defunding of the police, Greene has also suggested dismantling the entire Department of Justice.

Violence of any kind should never be tolerated, without question, and Fonda’s choice of words on The View is unfortunate given her devotion to leading a life of activism and inclusivity. That said, Greene calling Fonda’s comment apples and her dangerous legislation oranges is as close to the pot calling the kettle black as one can get. 

Greene concluded her rampage by telling Fonda she can “retire from demanding baby murder” now that her “eggs are dried up,” proving in the process exactly why so many Americans around the world find her stance on abortion rights so concerning. Aside from being ageist, her comment suggests only women actively in the pursuit of reproduction are allowed to have a say over their bodies, and that those who are too old, incapable, or unwilling, should stay quiet.

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin appeared on Friday’s episode of The View and ended up causing quite the controversial stir thanks to an offhand comment from Fonda.

As one would expect, Fonda and Tomlin made a highly entertaining appearance, and discussed their 50-year friendship as well as their new movie, which is a dark comedy called Moving On.

Once returning from commercials, the legendary duo discussed politics, and Fonda was praised for her pro-choice activism.

Joy Behar asked about recent abortion laws, to which Lily Tomlin said, “I think that all the stuff that’s going on with the change in laws and the backsliding in the country is pretty terrifically awful.”

Behar agreed, saying, “It’s going backwards.”

That’s when Fonda chimed in and pointed out:

“We have experienced many decades now of having agency over our body of being able to determine when and how many children to have. We know what that feels like. We know what that’s done for our lives. We’re not going back. I don’t care what the laws are. We’re not going back.”

Fonda’s comments were greeted with applause by the audience, but her next comment would not be offered the same reaction.

Behar, referring to the 85-year old Fonda being a part of numerous recent protests, asked her, “Besides marching and protesting what else do you suggest?”

Fonda responded, “Well, I think murder.” 

Tomlin, who was partly talking over Fonda during her response, sought clarification and asked Fonda, “Whatd did you say?” to which Fonda unashamedly responded, “Murder.”

The laughed, perhaps nervously, but Behar was the wisest of the hosts, as she immediately said to everyone, “She’s kidding. She’s just kidding.” 

Behar, knowing the backlash that can happen, then said to Fonda, “You don’t know. They’ll pick up on that and just run with it.”

Fonda’s face did not break, and her serious tone suggested that she wasn’t too happy with Behar.

It’s worth noting that Fonda didn’t suggest who exactly should be murdered, though it seemed obvious that the statement was directed at those in power who have curtailed abortion rights.

Fonda’s frustration, felt by many in the country, clearly was not expressed in the best way. 
Many pro-life ers are already outraged by the comment, while many pro-choice ers are defending it. However, the exact opposite would be true if someone suggested murdering pro-choice politicians, even if that suggestion was done in a comedic way.

The View hosts quickly shifted the topic, likely hoping that no one would notice.

Of course, people noticed.

Fonda will make headlines for days because of her statement, and could very well face significant backlash. It may become a moment to see if Fonda will double down, apologize, or just ignore it entirely. With her film set to be released next week, she may be forced to say something, especially if her film’s boycott, which is already being proposed by some, gains any steam.

So, did Fonda call for the murder of pro-life politicians? If you believe she was joking, then the answer is likely no. If you believe she wasn’t joking, then the answer differs. Perhaps a better question is whether she was actually joking. Her serious tone didn’t exactly help, but even if you conclude she actually was joking, then the question is whether or not such a joke is OK.

Regardless, Fonda’s ill-thought comment probably won’t do her any favors. Certainly, it will be difficult for some people to ignore it and just keep “moving on.” Then again, Jane Fonda’s reached the age and level of esteem that she likely doesn’t care all that much what people think.

What happens when the loss of a friend brings loved ones together to mourn… and murder? The premise for a hilarious and heartwarming new film starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin: Moving On.

In the newly-released trailer, Fonda and Tomlin forces as Claire and Evelyn, and while it’s clear from the beginning that their friendship is strained, there’s nothing like a murder plot to bring two once-besties together again. So why is Claire trying to rid the world of her late friend’s husband, and what’s responsible for the tension between the friends she left behind?

The trailer doesn’t give too much away, but it’s immediately evident that there’s something deeply painful bubbling under the surface. It’s not every day you try to juggle options to kill someone — especially when they meant so much to one of your closest friends. Of course, this isn’t just a murder mystery, as we said before; there’s enough comedy and friendship to appeal to an array of audiences, and an early conversation between Claire and Evelyn lays the groundwork for a lot of laughter.

“Claire: Evelyn, I need to talk to you.
Evelyn: About what?
Claire: I told him I was going to kill him.
Evelyn: …I could chat.”

Moving On also stars Malcolm McDowell, Richard Roundtree, and Catherine Dent, and is set to hit theaters on March 17. You won’t want to miss it. Fonda and Tomlin are comedy gold together, and if you can’t wait to see these two on the big screen together, don’t forget — you can check out their latest comedy foray in 80 For Brady, which hits theaters on Feb. 3.