Jane Fonda Remembers Robert Redford After His Passing at 89
Jane Fonda expressed her profound sorrow following the death of her longtime friend and collaborator, Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16, 2023, at his home in Utah. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Cindi Berger, who stated that the acclaimed actor and director died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 89. While a cause of death has not yet been disclosed, tributes to Redford have poured in from across the entertainment industry.
In a poignant statement to Us Weekly, Fonda, now 87, shared her grief, saying, “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
Fonda and Redford first starred together in the 1967 romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park and continued their collaboration in several films, including The Electric Horseman (1979) and Our Souls at Night (2017). Reflecting on their chemistry, Fonda once remarked that she “lived for” their intimate scenes, a sentiment she shared during a clip that resurfaced from the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. In the same clip, she noted that Redford, who sat beside her with a sheepish grin, “hated” those moments.
Fonda and Redford’s Enduring Friendship
Throughout their careers, Fonda and Redford maintained a close friendship that transcended their professional collaborations. In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, Fonda revealed that she was “always in love” with Redford, though their circumstances prevented anything from developing romantically. “I made three films with him, and nothing happened because I was married and he was married,” she explained.
Redford, on the other hand, seemed unaware of Fonda’s feelings, stating in an interview with The Telegraph, “I didn’t know she was in love with me!” Despite this, his admiration for her was evident. During a 2017 appearance on Today, he described working with Fonda as “easy,” highlighting their natural rapport: “Things just kind of fell into place between us, and there wasn’t much more to think about.”
Legacy and Impact
Redford’s contributions to cinema have left a lasting mark, with classics such as The Way We Were and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid among his most celebrated works. He founded the Sundance Film Festival, which has become a significant platform for independent filmmakers. His legacy extends beyond film; he embodied a spirit of activism and social justice that resonated with many.
In recalling her memories of Redford, Fonda praised his character, noting that he was a “force” in both film and life. In a 2017 interview on NBC’s now-defunct show Megyn Kelly Today, he remarked on Fonda’s unwavering determination: “As long as I’ve known Jane she’s always moving forward, and doesn’t look back.”
Both actors have had rich personal lives. Redford was married to Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 until 1985, with whom he had four children. He later married Sibylle Szaggars in 2009. Fonda’s relationships included marriages to Roger Vadim, Tom Hayden, and Ted Turner, with whom she shares two children.
As the film community mourns the loss of Robert Redford, Fonda’s heartfelt tributes remind us of the deep connections forged through art and shared experiences, leaving an indelible impact on both their lives and the industry.
