Jane Fonda paid tribute to Robert Redford following the news of the actor and director’s passing on September 16 at age 89, expressing deep emotions tied to their longstanding friendship. Known for their memorable collaborations on screen, Fonda shared heartfelt reflections amid the Robert Redford tribute emotions surrounding his legacy.
Remembering a Lasting Friendship and Onscreen Partnership
Jane Fonda and Robert Redford first joined forces in the 1966 drama The Chase. Their next film together, the beloved 1967 romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park, featured them as Paul and Corie, mismatched newlyweds, sparking a chemistry that lingered through the decades. They later co-starred in the 1979 Western romance The Electric Horseman, further solidifying their cinematic connection. Their final project together was the 2017 romantic drama Our Souls at Night, where they portrayed aging neighbors forming a tender bond.
Fonda’s Reflections on Love and Connection with Redford
During promotion for Our Souls at Night, Fonda revealed she had been in love with Redford every time they appeared together on screen. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show in March 2017, she said,
“I realize that I’ve grown up because in the three previous movies, I was always in love with him. I fell in love every time,”
– Jane Fonda
She added candidly,
“So, if a day went by and he wouldn’t speak to me, I always took it personally.”
“Now, when he doesn’t talk to me, I’m just like, ‘Hey Bob, come on.’”
– Jane Fonda
Fonda described their reunion on screen as feeling like
“two hands slipping back into comfortable gloves,”
emphasizing their natural connection.
Shared Passions Beyond Acting
Highlighting their bond beyond acting, Fonda pointed out their shared interests during her 2017 TODAY interview. She remarked,
“There’s something about him, besides the gorgeousness. He’s smart, he’s funny, we have a lot in common, we both like trees, and mountains and horses.”
– Jane Fonda
That same year, the pair appeared at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Our Souls at Night. Speaking to reporters, Fonda opened up about their decades-long attraction, recalling scenes from their early and later careers.
From Young Love to Mature Affection
Reflecting on their dynamic in Barefoot in the Park, Fonda shared,
“In ‘Barefoot in the Park,’ I couldn’t keep my hands off of him. I was constantly forcing myself on him. In ‘Our Souls at Night,’ the dynamic of my character to his character was somewhat similar. I just love the fact that these films bookend our careers.”
– Jane Fonda
She further described the evolution of their on-screen relationship, saying,
“We played that young love just getting married (in ‘Barefoot’) and now we play old people love and old people sex.”
– Jane Fonda
With a touch of humor, she joked about a scene from their last film,
“Although, in my opinion, (director Batra) Ritesh cut the sex scene too soon.”
– Jane Fonda
Adding to the lighthearted tone, Fonda exclaimed,
I live for sex scenes! He’s a great kisser. It was fun to kiss him in my 20s and then to kiss him again in my almost-80s.
– Jane Fonda
Honoring a Powerful Legacy
Jane Fonda’s touching tribute captures the profound impact Robert Redford had on her life and career, reflecting not only their artistic chemistry but also their shared values. She highlighted Redford as
“a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
– Jane Fonda
As the entertainment world mourns the loss of a legendary figure, Redford’s legacy endures through decades of iconic roles and the genuine connections he forged, like the one with Fonda. Their collaborations demonstrate the timeless power of storytelling and friendship, inspiring generations to come.
