Review: Jane Fonda Tells St. Paul the Story of Her Life
Anecdote after anecdote, the legendary actress and activist held her crowd in rapture.
Few 81-year-olds are as youthful and relevant as Jane Fonda. Hello, she stars in one of the top shows on Netflix — Grace and Frankie. The multi-hyphenate actress, activist, model and fitness guru radiated on stage at The Ordway. Joined by moderator Stephanie Curtis of MPR, Fonda spoke at length about key experiences in her fabled Hollywood career.
A particularly juicy story was about filming On Golden Pond, the 1981 film starring Jane’s father Henry Fonda, and fellow silver screen icon Katharine Hepburn. Utilizing a fabulous impression of Hepburn, Jane Fonda recounted life lessons and shade imparted by the legend herself. Hepburn even hid in the bushes while Fonda filmed an emotional scene, cheerleading her when she needed it most.
The film was Fonda’s chance to work with her father before he died, and she told the crowd their emotional scene together was not only for the cameras, but had real life meaning. On the final take, she reached out and held his hand, asking to be his friend. It made her father emotional, and the shot was used in the film.
Confessional moments like this defined the night, along with stories from her lifelong journey as a political activist. Fonda spoke of still canvasing door-to-door in key states with Grace and Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin. From feminism to key issues like LGBTQIA+ rights, a woman’s right to choose, and more, Fonda is an inspirational example of a tireless advocate for change. It’s only a question of what she will accomplish next.
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