Jane Fonda

Born in New York City to legendary screen star Henry Fonda and New York socialite Frances Seymour Brokaw, I was destined early to an uncommon and influential life in the limelight. Although I initially showed little inclination to follow my father's trade, I was prompted by Joshua Logan to appear with her father in the 1954 Omaha Community Theatre production of "The Country Girl". My interest in acting grew after meeting Lee Strasberg in 1958 and joining the Actors Studio. My screen debut in Tall Story (1960) (directed by Logan) marked the beginning of a highly successful and respected acting career highlighted by two Academy Awards (for my performances in Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978)) and five Oscar nominations (for Best Actress in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), Julia (1977), The Morning After (1986) and On Golden Pond (1981), which was the only film I made with her father). Her professional success contrasted with my personal life, which was often laden with scandal and controversy. My appearance in several risqué movies (including Barbarella (1968), directed by my then-husband Roger Vadim) was followed by what was to become my most debated and controversial period: my espousal of anti-establishment causes and especially my anti-war activities during the Vietnam War. My political involvement continued with fellow activist and husband Tom Hayden in the 1970s and early 1980s. In the 1980s I started the aerobic exercise craze with the publication of the "Jane Fonda's Workout Book". I and Hayden divorced, and married broadcasting mogul Ted Turner in 1991. I came out of retirement last year in Monster in Law, and will start shooting Gorgia Rule with Lindsay Lohan in July.