Stories from our elders: how Jane Fonda changed her life in her third act

The legendary actress Jane Fonda on her activism, her hair epiphanies and why older women are often fearless.

Jane has lived her entire life in the public eye, as the daughter of acting aristocracy.

Her father Henry Fonda was a Hollywood legend by the time she was born.

Jane grew up to study acting with Lee Strasberg, and Marilyn Monroe was a classmate.

But behind the public adoration, Jane was battling some big personal demons, including bulimia and the legacy of a shocking family tragedy.

In her 30s she began re-assessing her life and work, and became a leader of the anti-Vietnam War movement, earning her the nickname of Hanoi Jane from the American Press.

After the Vietnam War ended, she remained committed to political activism, so she released a series of work-out videos to help fund change in America.

After two more marriages, Jane had an epiphany about her 'third act' of life.

She decided to devote it to helping change the world, and now at 88 years old, she is still spending much of her time raising awareness about climate change and other social issues.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.

It explores Hollywood, Hollyweird, celebrity culture, activism, climate change, the climate crisis, women's rights, women's empowerment, second wave feminism, intersectional feminism, Dolly Parton, 9 to 5, Gracie and Frankie, tech bros, oligarchs and billionaires, life lessons, old school Hollywood, Hollywood royalty, motherhood, parenting, Donald Trump, blacklist.

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