Definition

Proper noun * Jane Fonda: An American actress, political activist, and fitness personality. She is the daughter of actor Henry Fonda and rose to prominence in the 1960s. Her career spans decades and includes acclaimed film roles, controversial political activism (particularly during the Vietnam War era), and a highly successful series of workout videos in the 1980s.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Jane Fonda won her first Academy Award for the film Klute.
  • The documentary explores the life and career of Jane Fonda.
  • Many people remember Jane Fonda for her "Jane Fonda's Workout" videos.

Advanced Usage

• "Hanoi Jane": A derogatory nickname given to Jane Fonda due to her controversial 1972 visit to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, where she was photographed sitting on an anti-aircraft gun. This term is used critically to reference that event and its lasting political controversy.
  • Her critics still refer to her as "Hanoi Jane."

Variants and Related Words

• Fonda: A surname. When used alone in an entertainment context, it often refers to the acting family, including Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, and Peter Fonda.
• Jane Fonda's Workout: The title of her bestselling exercise video series that popularized aerobics in the 1980s.

Synonyms

• Actress
• Activist
• Fitness guru

Related Idioms & Phrases

• To pull a Jane Fonda: This informal and potentially critical phrase might be used to describe someone, especially a celebrity, who engages in controversial political activism.
  • The singer was accused of trying to pull a Jane Fonda with her statements on foreign policy.

Noun

1. United States film actress and daughter of Henry Fonda (born in 1937)