Jane Fonda has always been a force. In addition to carving out stellar careers in film and fitness, she has spent much of her life actively fighting for the rights of others, using her platform and privilege to be a voice for people without one. Her activism has resulted in her being arrested several times—including as recently as in 2019, while participating in climate change protests in Washington, D.C.
She may have had a famous actor, Henry Fonda, for a father, but from the start, she held her own on the big screen. Long before leading Netflix’s Grace and Frankie, Fonda appeared opposite Robert Redford in Barefoot in the Park (1967) and The Electric Horseman (1979); took on the iconic titular role of Barbarella in 1968; collectsed Academy Awards for her work in both 1971’s Klute and 1978’s Coming Home; and delivered a terrific smash-the-patriarchy performance alongside Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5 (1980).
And she’s still a free spirit at 87. As she celebrates her birthday, Vogue revisits shots of a young Jane Fonda back when she was still a a political force in the making.
Photo: Getty Images1/151960
In an oversized grey coat and black leather gloves, Fonda poses on the streets of New York City.
Photo: Getty Images2/151960
Taking in the sights of Times Square with her father, Henry Fonda.
Photo: Getty Images3/151963
Filming Big Cats on the French Riviera, Fonda poses in a bikini top and classic striped shirt.
Photo: Getty Images4/151963
In a headscarf, Fonda evokes French-girl chic in the City of Light.
Photo: Getty Images5/151965
In a breezy, hot pink dress, Fonda poses for a portrait.
Photo: Getty Images6/151967
In a laid-back baker boy hat and pigtails, Fonda enjoys Venice with her brother, Peter, and her then husband, Roger Vadim.
Photo: Getty Images7/151968
In a sci-fi inspired outfit, Fonda takes on the role of Barbarella.
Photo: Getty Images8/151968
With her then husband Roger Vadim by her side, Fonda deploys a chic take on air travel attire.
Photo: Getty Images9/151970
In a shearling-trimmed coat, Fonda strolls the streets of New York City.
Photo: Getty Images10/151971
Fonda has long used her public platform to fight for change. She’s seen here at a march in 1971.
Photo: Getty Images11/151971
In a scene from the film Klute, dressed in a mini-skirt and knee-high leather boots, Fonda is the most interesting woman in the room.
Photo: Getty Images12/151971
Carrying a Louis Vuitton holdall in the early ’70s.
Photo: Getty Images13/151972
On her infamous trip to Hanoi in Vietnam after the war.
- Photo: Getty Images14/15
1976
In a bohemian frock and curtain bangs alongside her second husband, activist Tom Hayden.
Photo: Getty Images15/151979
In a leotard and leggings, Fonda marks the opening of Workout Exercise Gym.
