Jane Fonda's Heartfelt Connection with Her Father in On Golden Pond
In the HBO documentary Jane Fonda in Five Acts, the Oscar-winning actress delves into her relationship with her late father, Henry Fonda. Despite their distant bond, there was one unforgettable moment in the 1981 film On Golden Pond that left a lasting impression on Jane. In the movie, she recalls grabbing her father's arm, and a single tear rolled down his cheek. It was an emotional scene that resonated deeply with Jane, one she wished she could discuss further with her dad.
After filming, Jane asked if they could have dinner at his house to talk about the moment. Unfortunately, Henry declined. Reflecting on this, Jane exclusively told Closer Weekly at a recent Television Critics Association event, "I wish he would’ve said something like, 'I wasn’t expecting it. That scene between us really moved me. You really moved me. I felt we were both so present.' I wish he were still here to talk about it." This wishful thinking highlights the complexity of their father-daughter relationship, filled with unspoken words and untapped emotions.
Jane with Henry and Katharine Hepburn in ‘On Golden Pond.’ (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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Henry Fonda's Passing and Jane's Reflection
Henry Fonda passed away at the age of 77 in 1982. Jane, now 80, reflects on this, saying, "I’ve lived four years longer than he did. That still surprises me." The weeks leading up to his death were particularly heartbreaking for Jane. Witnessing her father's declining health was a painful experience, yet she remained steadfast by his side. This period was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her father, even if their relationship wasn't always close.
Accepting an Award for Her Father
In a past interview with Closer, Jane reminisced about the proud moment she accepted an award on her father’s behalf. "My father was very, very ill and he could not attend the ceremonies," she revealed. "He asked if I would receive the Oscar on his behalf, and when they called his name... it was probably the happiest moment of my life." This moment was not only a highlight in her career but also a deeply personal triumph, bridging the gap between father and daughter through shared success.
Henry won an Oscar for On Golden Pond, the same movie he starred in with his daughter. Dabney Coleman, who also co-starred in the film, told Closer that Jane wrote Henry a note at the time, which read, "This is a little movie I’m doing with my dad. I want to see if I can get him an Academy Award." It's clear that Henry must be so proud of Jane’s achievements, both in her personal journey and her illustrious career.
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