With a career spanning over six decades, Jane Fonda remains one of Hollywood’s most influential and enduring icons. As the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards approach, where she is set to be honored for her lifelong contributions to film and activism, Fonda is reflecting on her remarkable journey—and what lies ahead.
From her early days as a rising star in Barbarella and Klute to her award-winning performances in Coming Home and Grace and Frankie, Fonda has never shied away from reinvention. But beyond her cinematic legacy, she has carved out a powerful voice in activism, championing causes from climate change to women’s rights.
Looking Back: A Career Defined by Excellence and Bold Choices
Fonda’s career began in the 1960s, where she quickly established herself as both a Hollywood beauty and a formidable talent. Winning two Academy Awards for Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978), she became a defining figure of her generation. But Fonda wasn’t content with just acting—she used her platform for change, famously protesting the Vietnam War and later leading the charge for environmental justice.
“I never saw myself just as an actress,” Fonda recently shared in an interview. “Art has the power to change minds, and I’ve always wanted to be part of something bigger than just entertainment.”
Even as Hollywood evolved, Fonda adapted. The 2000s saw her return to the screen in films like Monster-in-Law and, later, the Netflix hit Grace and Frankie, proving that age is no barrier to success.
The Present: Celebrating a Milestone at the SAG Awards
This year’s SAG Awards will honor Fonda with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of her extraordinary impact on both film and society. The award not only acknowledges her performances but also her ability to challenge societal norms, from redefining female-led comedies to becoming a fitness icon in the 1980s with her best-selling workout tapes.
“I never imagined I’d still be working, still be relevant,” Fonda admits. “But I think the key is staying curious, staying engaged. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing.”
Her peers and admirers, from Lily Tomlin to Meryl Streep, have praised her resilience and willingness to push boundaries. “Jane is a force,” says Tomlin. “She’s never been afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and that’s what makes her so special.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jane Fonda?
At 87, Fonda is showing no signs of slowing down. She continues her work in activism, particularly with Fire Drill Fridays, her ongoing climate change protests. She is also set to appear in upcoming film projects, proving that her passion for storytelling remains as strong as ever.
“I want to keep fighting, keep acting, keep inspiring,” she says. “The best thing you can do is never stop—whether it’s fighting for justice or finding new ways to challenge yourself creatively.”
As she steps onto the SAG Awards stage to receive one of the highest honors in Hollywood, Jane Fonda stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, reinvention, and purpose.
Her legacy is secure, but for Fonda, the story is far from over.