Jane Fonda has spoken about her journey from a nervous breakdown to finding happiness in later life, describing herself as a 'late bloomer' who feels more authentic now than in her youth. The actress and activist, now in her 80s, reflected on her past struggles and current outlook in an interview.
Fonda revealed that she suffered a nervous breakdown at the end of her second marriage, unable to walk, eat, or speak above a whisper. She credited exercise with keeping her alive, saying 'exercising through the trauma kept me going.' She also noted that people tend to get happier after 50, becoming less stressed and more positive.
The star discussed her father, Henry Fonda, saying she learned about bravery and justice from the characters he played in films like '12 Angry Men' and 'The Grapes of Wrath.' She added that she only learns from failures and tragedies, describing how 'in the ashes of a disaster the phoenix can rise again.'
On ageing, Fonda said she relies on careful lighting and candles, and that the hardest part is sagging skin. However, she emphasised that sex can be better with age because 'the biggest sex organ is the brain.' She also noted that friendships, grandchildren, and travel can provide a fulfilling life without a sexual relationship.
Fonda described herself as a 'very flawed woman' who remains youthful through curiosity and continuous learning. She said she was brought up to believe she had to be perfect to be loved, but therapy helped her overcome that. 'I feel more like me than ever,' she concluded.
