Opinion: Why Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are an iconic acting duo
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have been friends and colleagues for over four decades. Their friendship began in 1980 when they co-starred in the hit movie, “9 to 5,” with Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman. Four decades later, they co-star in their beloved Netflix original, “Grace and Frankie.”
Fonda, 83, was born in New York City in 1937, while Tomlin, 81, was born in Detroit in 1939. Fonda was born to Frances Ford Brokaw, a Canadian socialite, and Henry Fonda, an American actor, while Tomlin was born to Lillie Mae, a housewife, and Guy Tomlin, a factory worker.
In this March 24, 2017 photo, Lily Tomlin, left, and Jane Fonda, co-stars in "Grace and Frankie," pose for a portrait in New York. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)
While Tomlin originally majored in biology in college, her interest in acting sparked after she auditioned for a role in a play her school’s theatre was hosting. This prompted her to pursue a career in entertainment.
Tomlin began her entertainment career as a stand-up comedian. In the early 70s, Tomlin replaced Judy Carne on Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh-In,” where she appeared regularly on the show as Ernestine, Mrs. Judith Beasley, Susie the Sorority Girl, and numerous other characters.
On the other hand, theatrics enthralled Fonda from an early age due to her father’s acting career. She first took the stage for a charity performance with her father as a teenager, after which she knew she wanted to go into acting as a career.
In the 60s Fonda, held roles in approximately two movies each year throughout the decade, such as “Period of Adjustment” and “Walk on the Wild Side.”
The 70s were successful for Fonda, who won her first Academy Award for best actress in 1971. She could often be seen on the big screen starring in blockbusters or on your home television in fitness videos. Fonda also developed a knack for political activism in the 70s.
Finally, in 1980, Fonda and Tomlin collaborated with Dolly Parton in the hit movie “9 to 5.”
“9 to 5” grossed 103.9 million dollars and was a box office and critical success for the three women.
They had not starred in any substantial roles together until Grace and Frankie but were widely known for their equal rights and climate activism and for having one of the longest-lasting friendships in Hollywood.
The two of them are frequently seen side-by-side at major events and supporting one another’s work.
In 2001, the Film Society of the Lincoln Center paid tribute to Fonda, and Tomlin accompanied her to the ceremony.
In 2004, the Valley Community Clinic hosted a “Laughter is the Best Medicine Gala,” where they honored Tomlin, accompanied by Fonda.
In 2014, Tomlin was presented a Kennedy Center Honors by Fonda, Jane Lynch, Reba McEntire and Kate McKinnon.
In 2015, Tomlin and Fonda gave a heartwarming TED Talk about how important female friendships are.
Also in 2015, the Las Vegas LGBT Center honored Fonda at the Vanguard Awards, where Tomlin accompanied Fonda and gave a speech about her social activism.
In 2019, Fonda and Tomlin participated in a hilariously honest interview with Wired together.
In 2019, Fonda and Tomlin saw the big screen together again whenever they starred together in “Waging Change.”
Also in 2019, Tomlin was arrested at a climate rally that Fonda hosted. Tomlin could be seen smiling in zip ties as the D.C. police escorted her away from the U.S. Capitol.
Finally, in 2020, Tomlin and Fonda held a Greenpeace Climate Rally in California together.
Fonda and Tomlin’s impact together goes well beyond the big screen. Together they have been outspoken activists on behalf of climate justice, LGBT+ people, immigrants and workers. Because of them, the world is a much better place, and they have done all of this while making us laugh.
For more about Fonda’s climate agenda, click here.
