Hollywood is in mourning over the passing of one of its most iconic figures, Robert Redford, who died at the age of 89 in his home in Utah.
However, for some actresses, the sorrow runs even deeper.
Robert Redford was more than just a film star — he epitomized what it meant to be one. With his golden locks, striking blue eyes, and natural charisma, he captivated everyone around him. People didn’t merely admire him; they fell head over heels for him.
From the very first moment he arrived in Hollywood, it was evident that he possessed something extraordinary. Secretaries were known to dash out of their offices just to catch a glimpse of him as he strolled by. Fans were enamored with him, and directors recognized immediately that he had an unteachable screen presence.
Another individual who was captivated by the charming actor was Jane Fonda.
The star of Grace and Frankie became emotional as she expressed her sorrow over the man who had won her heart both on and off the screen.
Madly in love with him
“This morning, when I learned that Bob was no longer with us, it hit me hard. I can’t stop crying. He was incredibly important to me and a wonderful person in every sense. He represented an America that we must continue to fight for,” Fonda shared in a statement through her representative.
Their film collaboration spanned five decades — from Tall Story and Barefoot in the Park to Our Souls at Night, which was their last film together.
With each role, their connection seemed to deepen.
On Instagram, Fonda posted a picture from the set of Our Souls at Night with Redford and actor Iain Armitage, reminiscing about their years of friendship, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
“I am feeling very sad today. I cried all morning. But thankfully, I can recall so many joyful moments filled with laughter when his practical jokes would make me laugh. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked on one of his first major films, Barefoot in the Park (I fell head over heels for him during that one) and his last (the previously mentioned Souls at Night),” she expressed.
Her words became painfully sincere when she revealed one regret:
“I had been wanting to visit him these past few months to ensure everything was okay between us, but I didn’t act on it quickly enough. Lesson learned. When people reach our age, in their late 80s, don’t hesitate.”
And in her final message to Redford, she wrote: “Thank you, dear Bob, for all the joy you brought throughout the years. Rest in peace.”
This wasn’t the first occasion when Fonda openly expressed how much Redford meant to her. Reflecting on a promotional photo from Barefoot in the Park, she once exclaimed, “He is so handsome and just such a wonderful human being. Every movie I made with him, I developed a crush on him.”
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, she was equally candid: “And I was always in love with Robert Redford – I made three films with him and nothing happened because I was married and he was married.”
In a rare joint interview, she reminisced about the first time she laid eyes on him. As Redford strolled down the hallway of an administration building, secretaries hurried out of their offices just to catch a glimpse of him. Fonda immediately recognized he was destined for stardom: “There was nobody more gorgeous than him.”
Redford has always openly expressed his admiration for her. While promoting Our Souls at Night, he referred to Fonda as “a force,” and added, “It is an admirable quality and I think, very few people have it like Jane does.”
Fonda acknowledged that the film provided her with another opportunity to fall in love with him — at least on screen. Redford humorously mentioned that he would love to collaborate with her again, but unfortunately, time was not in their favor.
From their first film Barefoot in the Park in 1967 to their heartfelt embrace at the Venice Film Festival premiere of Our Souls at Night in 2017, their connection was unmistakable — a type of Hollywood magic that felt genuine because, for them, it truly was.
When discussing their Netflix film Our Souls at Night, Fonda playfully remarked, “There is eventually a love scene. I’m happy with the love scene. I’m unhappy because it was so short!”
Looking back on their extensive history together, she chuckled, “I’ve been in bed with him a lot,” and later admitted, “I live for sex scenes with [Redford].”
“The only issue with working with Bob is that I tend to gaze into his eyes and get lost in them, forgetting my lines,” Fonda shared with Ellen DeGeneres in 2017.
“I realize that I’ve matured because in the three previous films, I was always in love with him. I fell in love with him every single time.”
As fans, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing their journey develop, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Moreover, due to Jane’s genuine openness, we now understand the significant impact Bob had on her life — and on the world at large.
