When it comes to reinvention, no one does it better than Jane Fonda.
A nepo baby long before the term existed, Fonda was born to bona fide movie star Henry Fonda and his second wife, Canadian-born socialite Frances Ford Seymour, in 1937.
Fonda made her connections count, launching a film career that’s spanned more than 50 years and netted her two Academy Awards and slew of other prestigious acting awards.
Fonda is equally renowned ― and reviled by some ― for her political activism. The actor has lent her support to the Black Panthers, the burgeoning feminist movement and numerous anti-war protests, most notably at the height of the Vietnam War.
Another notable reinvention? Her pivot to an iconic workout guru. “Jane Fonda’s Workout,” released in 1982, is one of the bestselling VHS tapes of all time.
Through it all, she’s remained a celebrated style icon ― and an ethical one at that. Fonda frequently rewears gowns on the red carpet, and in 2019, she swore that a red wool coat she got arrested in at a climate change protest would be the last piece of clothing she’d ever buy.
In celebration of Fonda’s 87th birthday on Jan. 21, we’re surveying some of her most memorable looks. (Yes, she’s known for more than fashion, but this is the style section, after all.)
Fonda appears in Vogue in 1959.
Fonda and Vadim leave the Belvedere Hospital in Paris with their newborn baby Vanessa.
Fonda at the opening of a workout gym.
Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Fonda at the "Nine to Five" New York City premiere after-party.
Fonda at a fundraiser for politician Gary Hart on Nov. 2, 1985. Hart had planned another run at the presidency but ended up not joining the race.
Fonda at an event the American Civil Liberties Union held to honor the actor Michael Douglas.
Fonda attends the 17th Annual American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award Salute to Gregory Peck
Fonda at the 12th Golden Boot Awards in Los Angeles.
Fonda and Turner attend The American Oceans Campaign Honors Ted Turner event on April 18, 1994.
Fonda and Turner attend the 67th Annual Academy Awards.
Fonda and Turner attend a Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian dinner gala at the Pierre Hotel.
Fonda at the "9 to 5" 25th anniversary special edition DVD launch party on March 30, 2006.
Fonda on the red carpet before receiving the Lumière Award at the 10th Lumière Festival in Lyon, France.
Fonda attends a screening for "Le Deuxième Acte" ("The Second Act") at the 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2024.