After the passing of her longtime friend and co-star Robert Redford at 89, Jane Fonda shared an emotional tribute honoring their extraordinary bond. The two worked side by side for over half a century, starring together in five films, including beloved classics like Barefoot in the Park and The Chase. Through her representative, Fonda admitted she was deeply shaken by the news: “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying.” She remembered Redford not only as a cinematic icon but also as a “beautiful human being” who embodied the spirit of an America worth protecting.
On Instagram, Fonda posted a photo from their final collaboration, Our Souls at Night, recalling his mischievous humor and the joy of working with him. With honesty and regret, she admitted she wished she had visited him in his final months, closing her tribute with a tender reminder: “Lesson learned. When people are in their late 80s, don’t wait. Thank you, dearest Bob, for all the pleasure you brought over the years. RIP.”
Fonda had long been open about her admiration for Redford, confessing in interviews that she fell for him during every film they made together. She once said, “There’s nobody more gorgeous,” and admitted that part of the reason she signed on for Our Souls at Night was the chance to “fall in love with him all over again.” Their onscreen magic was grounded in genuine affection that endured far beyond the cameras.
Redford felt the same. In one rare joint interview, he called Fonda “a force” and praised her determination to always move forward. He admired her resilience both as an actress and as a woman, and although he wished for more opportunities to work together, he admitted—half-jokingly—that time wasn’t on their side.
From their first film together in 1965 to their last public appearances in 2017, photographs capture the warmth, respect, and connection they shared. Their friendship remains one of Hollywood’s most remarkable partnerships—a blend of professional brilliance and personal devotion that touched audiences and will continue to inspire generations.
