Jane Fonda Mourns Robert Redford
Jane Fonda broke down as she mourned the loss of Robert Redford, the man who had captured her heart on screen and in real life. The “Grace and Frankie” star shared a raw, emotional tribute after Redford passed away at 89.
A Friendship Spanning Decades
Their cinematic chemistry spanned over 50 years, from Tall Story to Our Souls at Night. As news of Redford’s death swept Hollywood, Fonda expressed her grief first.
“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,” she said through her representative. “He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
On Instagram, Fonda shared memories of laughter, friendship, and the legacy he left behind, posting a photo with Redford and Iain Armitage from their last film together.

Jane Fonda and Robert Redford are seen on the set of “The Chase” in 1965. The two appear engrossed in the scene as they film the crime-thriller.
Remembering His Impact
Fonda reflected on Redford’s influence on independent cinema and his timeless performances. She recalled making Barefoot in the Park, admitting, “I fell madly in love with him on that one,” and later filming Our Souls at Night.
She added a heartfelt lesson: “I wanted to see him these last few months to make sure we were all right between us, but I didn’t act soon enough. When people are our age, late 80s, don’t wait.” She concluded, “Thank you, dearest Bob, for all the pleasure you brought over the years. RIP.”
Redford passed on September 16, 2025, at his home near Provo, Utah, leaving a void in Hollywood.
Admiration Through the Years
Even before his passing, Fonda often spoke about her affection for Redford. She once said of a publicity shot from Barefoot in the Park: “He is so handsome and just such a wonderful human being. Every movie I made with him, I developed a crush on him.”
In The Guardian, she shared, “I was always in love with Robert Redford — I made three films with him, and nothing happened because I was married and he was married.”
She also recalled first spotting him in a corridor, where secretaries rushed just to watch him pass. “There was nobody more gorgeous than him,” she said.

Redford on Fonda
Redford praised Fonda as “a force” during interviews about Our Souls at Night. He admired how she moved forward without dwelling on the past, navigating life’s challenges with remarkable strength.
Fonda said the film allowed her to fall in love with Redford all over again. Redford admitted he would have loved another project with her, but time was not on their side.
An Enduring Bond
Through decades of films and appearances, Jane Fonda and Robert Redford shared a friendship built on admiration, trust, and deep respect. Their bond, both on and off-screen, left a lasting mark on Hollywood and in the hearts of fans worldwide.