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BACK FROM OPRAH

It was exciting being on her show. She made me feel very comfortable and welcomed and the audience was fantastic. In between shooting, when we took breaks for the commercials, she and I would talk about various things we have in common: she told me she just went on a camping/fishing trip and loved it so we talked about the fact that too few African Americans venture into the wilderness; we both were rocked by Eckhart Tolle’s “The New Earth,” which she and he did a month long radio show about, complete with a curriculum based on the book which my friend, Elizabeth Lesser, developed. We talked about the importance and bravery of Tyler Perry admitting on her show that he had been sexually abused as a young boy. Perhaps you watched that show. Nov 5th, Oprah will air a subsequent show she did, again with Tyler Perry, with 200 men in the audience who had been victims of abuse. She said that when she drove up to her studio that day and saw all the men lined up waiting to come inside, she cried. I’ll bet one thing: I’ll bet that experience began the process of healing for those men. Breaking the wall of silence is the first step to healing. Isn’t Oprah something!? She’s affected so many lives.” Including mine. It was a thrill for me doing the show with her

In the corridor after the show. Whew!

Oprah is holding the new book, "No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change how We Think about Power." By my friend, Gloria Feldt I hope she'll read it!

Again, the show I did airs Oct 27th.

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65 Comments

  1. WOW…two of the most beautiful women on the planet in the SAME ROOM!!!

  2. You both make me proud to be a woman

  3. Well, we do see that Mrs.O is doing well. “fishing trip and loved it so” that is interesting ,was just reading a old book on early fishing in Ireland, the Casting type and how the Irish men looked down on fly fishing ,” That’s not fishing” and the only real fish was Samon. Hear is a book that you may find of interest, after reading my script , of course. “Celebrated Women Travellers of the Nineteenth Century” Published:1903 http://manybooks.net/titles/adamswd3147931479-8.html free ebook- somewhat interesting view of woman on the road during that time.

  4. Jane, I hate to be superficial here because you’re talking about very important topics, but you look freaking AMAZING in these photos!

    Can’t wait to see the show!

  5. Yes Oprah really IS something, but Jane you are STILL the most divine woman on earth. I can not believe how beautiful you look. I’ll be watching for more photos.

  6. Awesome as always! Thoroughly appreciating your labor of love, ‘My Life…’ Bought it several years ago, and just now – (it’s all in the timing, right?) – mesmerized by its content (identifying with all too much)! Thank you abundantly for your continued contributions!

  7. jane i’m very fonda of you

    TAKE CARE

    MYR

    • I just watched the O-Show (Tivo’d) with you and I just wanted to say, “Thank You”. Your honesty and openness were so refreshing. By sharing openly, you directly touched lives.

      I believe that sharing what we have learned in our individual journey, can further the journey of others.

      Your discussion about perimenopause hit home with me. There is more dialogue about menopause than perimenopause, which I have been experiencing for the past 7 years.

      I’m anxious to get your current book, as well as your new one. I just turned 48 and I’m feeling the Transition into a new phase. Your vitality makes the 70’s an age I will look forward to with joy instead of dread.

      There are 40-something women all over this country who were forever changed as they watched you on Oprah. Thanks for being real.

  8. SO glad to hear I didn’t miss you on Oprah. I thought you were going to be there the 21st & I missed the show. I’ll tune in on the 27th.
    Yes, Oprah is an amzazing woman & so are you quite frankly. You look fabulous btw!

  9. Jane,
    You look great!! I know you have such an exciting life!! You are a wonderful person and a very caring person. I am glad you were on the Oprah show I will tune in to watch you. It is hard to believe that you were so nervous with all the public appearances that you do!! I guess you are human!! HA! I hope you live forever because you keep blessing so many people!! You go girl!!:)

  10. Dear Jane, can’t wait to see you on Oprah. I am having an existential dilemma. I believe–but in what I don’t know. Eh.

  11. Can hardly wait to see you and Oprah together! Since she enjoyed camping and fishing, bet she’d enjoy your NM ranch and fishing with you!!

  12. I was in the audience when you did the Oprah Show and was duly impressed. You look marvelous! So trim and fit. You glided out with utmost confidence and with posture that no 72 year old person I know posesses. Can’t buy that posture!Enjoyed your autobiography and was amazed that you could dig that deep into your life. Very few of us could, or would want to. It would be too emotionally exhausting. Also love reading your blog and seeing the photo’s you post. I admire your strength Jane and how you do stand up for what you believe in. Thank you for sharing you with us.

  13. I too am looking forward to seeing you on the Oprah show.

    While I agree with you it is brave of Tyler Perry to discuss his past abuse, I cannot look to him as a great example of openess, honesty or truth as long as he stays in the closet.

    PS- cannot wait to see you at the Taper next season

  14. I agree Tyler Perry has done great things for entertainment and bringing attention to a variety and social issues. I do, however, wish he would speak up more on homophobia esp. with some of the recent negativity coming out of the Atlanta area. I hope you too will create a video for the Trevor Project. You always have a great way of motivating individuals to do more.

  15. Jane, you look wonderful! Look forward to seeing you on the 27th!

  16. “New Earth” is digging things out for me a bit by bit. I have been reading it for about 6 month and still not finished. Happy that you mentioned it.

  17. Jane,,,I’ve been near you for oh so many years….went to your “workout” on So. Robertson. I’m a couple of years older than you, but in no way resemble the good shape you’re in. I wear my hair in a similar style & would ‘kill’ to know who cuts your hair……it’s fabulous..YOU are fabulous. Please share the name of your hair stylist……thanks. Sondra M.

  18. I’ve waited all week for your appearance on Oprah and wouldn’t you know it, we’re having weather watches so Oprah is not airing today! At least, not yet and it doesn’t look like it will anytime soon.

    I’m so disappointed.

  19. Watching you on Oprah now.. and all I can say is.. YOU GO GIRL!!

  20. Dear Jane,

    I am watching you on the Oprah Show right now. I bought your book a couple of years ago and never had time to read it. I will take it out of my bookshelf and read it for sure. You are such an inspiration for me. I am happy that you are living the best act of your life ever and wish you a beautiful journey.

    “The soul of a journey is liberty, perfect liberty, to think, feel, do just as one pleases” (William Hazlitt)

  21. I love your outlook on the aging process and how to handle everything that goes along with it. I call this “Embracing Your Cronehood”. As we get older we have knowledge, lots of lessons learned, and inner beauty we need to love and share. You do it all with grace and beauty. I am so glad I got to see you on Oprah.

  22. I raced home from work as I knew you were going to be on Oprah today. Had my two Airedales with me and I did not want to go too crazy or they would have bounced around in the car. Montreal traffic is getting crazy…………anxious to move to the country.

    Jane, you are amazing. I used to do your tapes in the 80’s after I had my son Michael. It was something I looked forward to. Have always exercised my whole life but for some reason I am slacking and this is the time I need it most. It was not so long ago, I was doing yoga 6 days a week and completed my yoga teacher training and taught for a couple of years. Noticed body parts changing. At 55.5, I know I have to stay fit and strong.

    I really admire a woman like you who has never been afraid of saying what she believes in. Keep doing whatever it is you are doing Jane because you glow…… 73………wow.

    Thanks for the inspiration

    Love Debra

  23. Jane, you still look so beautiful and have been an inspiration to me my whole life.

  24. My husband and I recently watched The China Syndrome. When I saw you were on Oprah today, I had to watch. I’m sure you’ve been told several times by now – but I will say it again, you look great! I hope to look that great and feel that great in my “Third Act.”

    It was great to spend an hour listening and re-living some of your life and times.

    I didn’t realize your mother commited suicide when you were 12yrs old. What you said about finally accepting and getting to the place where you realized it was never about you – but it was about your own mother’s issues stood out for me. It’s hard for young women to break out of the shadow of their mother and blossom into the woman God intended them to become regardless of what other people think (including our mother’s or parent’s for that matter).

    Like you said, it’s not about being perfect – but about becoming whole. My heart tugged when you shared the moment with your grandson – holding him close and his stopping you from turning away saying, “I’m not ready yet.” I don’t know what you have gone through in your life – but I am glad you have this season. And to hear you publicly say your daugther is the best mother meant so much. All daughters, regardless of our age, would hope to hear that from our mother.

    I hope all is well in your world. I applaud you for the amazing journey you have had thus far. And I thank you for the wisdom you have shared with us this day. Blessings!

  25. WOW! Thank you so much for being such a great role model in many ways for all of us.

  26. Jane, you’ve been my hero since the late 60’s and you still are! I am so glad to see you again even if it’s on national t.v., I will take what I can get. Yes, I have your vhs tapes and can’t wait till the new workout gets here in November. Oh, yeah, got’em pre-ordered!! My husband and I love you to pieces!! Thank you so much for making this w/out for us!!

  27. After seeing you on Oprah I did some soul searching of my own. Many things you said on the show really hit my heart. Thanks for being so inspiring!

  28. You are quite a lady! I so enjoyed seeing you on Oprah; but even more than that, I enjoyed hearing what you thought and felt. Of special interest to me was your mentioning the unexpected encounter with God (those “coincidences”), when you were staying at your daughter’s house in Atlanta. For me, those are serendipity moments, when God lets me know that He is involved in my life…that He is nearby and He is listening.

    You definitely inspired me with your continued focus on health and being fit. When I became ill several years ago, I lost a part of myself and neglected my diet and exercise to the expense of my well being. I’ve been trying to get back on track and seeing you gave me an extra “shot of adrenaline”.

    Thanks for your caring of others and for your positive outlook!

    And, I pray that God blesses you with a very long “Third Act”.

  29. Great appearance on O! you look fabulous. On Golden Pond is still my favorite picture. Glad that Perry is in your life. Say, I look a bit like Sally Field…can you get me a date with Ted?

  30. Hi Jane,

    Just wanted to say my daughter (age 26) and myself just watched your interview on Oprah. We enjoyed it very much and some of your comments were very enlightening.

    We both thought you looked awesome. My daughter said if she was told you were 60, she wouldn’t believe it. Knowing you are 72, she said is just amazing. You look great and your energy is contagious. I think I’ll go for a walk.

    Wishing you many more wonderful years.

    Judy
    Canada

  31. It was so life affirming to see you Jane! You have been like a lighthouse light for me as I am ten years younger than you. You are a true role model, still incredibly beautiful in mind, face and body. I have requested your book from my local library.

  32. Hey Jane,
    Great show on Oprah.

    So glad to see you have produced a video targeted at the older adult.

    I am in health care and have always promoted exercise to my patients. You are soooo right. Keep on moving to maintain your muscle mass. Those individuals who are in their 80’s and 90’s and still get on the bus to come to the clinic, are still dancing with their spouses, or going to the gym are an inspiration. There is a man in my cycling club,70 years old, who keeps up with all of us who are 20 and 30 years younger than him.

    Exercise is THE key to mind, body and spirit.

  33. Just finished watching you on the Oprah show. What an inspiration for gals approaching their “Golden Years”. You look great!!! What a wonderful outlook you have given us all for tomorrow.

    Cheers

  34. Jane,
    Thank you so much for an amazing Oprah show. Loved everything about it, the variety of topics, your energy and your authenticity. Please write a book entitled “Being Whole”! At 54 I thought I was entering the second half, now I look forward to not only this second chapter in my life, the chapters beyond. I encourage you to continue to share your wisdom publicly and inspire all of us to lead lives that matter.

  35. Jane,
    What can I say. Watched you on Oprah today. I’m 53 years old. As I have been aging I have had no idea HOW I should be. Thank you for giving us girls behind you a sampling. I want to be full of life, still want to be healthy and beautiful, and live with conviction. Thanks for confirming today that I can be that. You are a great role model for us.
    Best Regards,
    Penny

  36. I will definitely catch it! Hopefully it will inspire men to be more emotionally open.

  37. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the Oprah show
    today. You are amazing!

  38. I was home sick today and watch Oprah because you were on the show. You are an inspiration. I don’t know really who I am right now. I also think it’s a perimenopausal thing. You are so healthy in body and mind. I just hope someday I can be that way. I’ll be 45 in December. I’ve always wanted your workout tapes and your new dvd sounds great. unfortuanately being a single mom and working 3 jobs I’m unable to spend money on myself. anyway, I really did enjoy seeing you on oprah. Like I said before you truly are an inspiration. Thank you!

  39. For me you are more than just beauty, you are a very wise woman and I saw a very different you on the Oprah show.

    I have been watching you for a very long time. Many times I saw you On French TV, TV5 with Michel Druker. I love what you said about learning to be whole.

    I so much feel I relate to you on the perfectionism part. I am a perfectionist myself and working on it on a consistant basis. I wonder though, are you still a perfectionist?

    When I watched you on the Oprah show, I still got a sense that you are still a perfectionist, but perhaps in a different kind of a way.

  40. Hi my name is Anita, a psychotherapist from Long Beach & Catalina Island CA.

    Jane you didn’t have a break down you had a break through in order to become the total you. I recall having the exact same feelings you had. The body is the holder of the truth, I’m thrilled to hear that you have gone from the dark to the dawn. Your honesty normalized for many our peri- menapause death and rebirth…On to the 3rd Act/Stage, so well said.

    • Awesome Show Oprah!

  41. Thank you and Oprah for a wonderful, meaningful interview that was so moving I sat transfixed near tears most of the time because everything you said ‘spoke’ to me! I understood what you were talking about and love the ‘place’ you find yourself at this time in your life. Actually seeing you in the places you have described in this blog brought your words to life…even the view from your balcony to the valley below!! Then, when seeing Richard and hearing him say ‘hello’, he became ‘alive’ as you’ve written about him. (He has a great voice, by the way.) You’ve given me much to think about as I review my seventy four years! Thank you Jane.

  42. yes, I have always seen you as a beautiful person with lots of energy. I met you at Laurel Springs when you first bought the ranch and had a few of us at the cottage to schedule a meeting 5 months away and we were all……….a bit amazed to plan that far in advance. You were wonderful to the community, especially Jim…. Anyway,…I have since moved a bit north to Morro Bay and take a wonderful ‘Fit for Life’ class(kind of a jazzercise class) with a wonderful teacher, Suzie….and for Halloween,as a surprise to her, most of her class will be dressed as Jane Fonda,yes, YOU…… from the 80’s……we are all of different ages from 20’s to 80’s…..exercise has definitely changed over the years but…….will always be necessary no matter what age and thanks to you, so many still exercise. Thank you……….just thought you’d like to know.

  43. Jane,

    After watching the Oprah show, I can’t wait to pick up your memoir – like you said on the show, “Coincidences are ways of God manifesting”…

    I’m just curious – do you think we can feel the way you feel in our 30’s? Or do we need to go through the years to fully mature into ourselves? I ask this because I’m in my 30’s and feel more lost than ever!

    Thanks!

    Susan

    p.s. If you like hiking, I had the most challenging hike in Argentina. There’s a place called Torres Del Paine. At a minimum, its a five day hike — and each day you’re hiking for about 8 hours. Check it out!

  44. Dear Jane — I’m so happy for you!

  45. Jane, You were great on Oprah. You are an inspiration for those of us on the heels of the stage of life you are at now. Not so scary now. I just ordered your newest DVDs. I’m going to start working harder to become as fit as you. I already have the little love of my life dog. I hope my next stage is better than this one has been and it has been pretty good.
    Thank you for all you do.
    Pat

  46. dear ms fonda, i have to say i have never responded to anything on line before but after watching you on oprah i could relate to so many things you had to say. growing up on a military base, in the 60’s and 70’s, your name, not so popular. Couldn’t mention your name around my dad or mother. it did my heart good to hear you own all that youve done in your life. good or bad. i too have worked very hard to break the cycle of not knowing how to be a loving, uncondtional, supportive person. loved you in “on golden pond”, isn’t it funny how much we need the approval and acceptance of out parents. i have a very close relationship with my daughters. they remind me daily how much they love me and are proud of the way i have devoted my life to changing everything negitive i experienced to a positive. sorry im rattling on. that would be the Menopause. feeling alittle crazy these days trying to figure out who i am and thinking i need to reinvent myself, trying to figure out how to forgive my parents, who still make me crazy everyday. it was good to hear you say this is how it goes in the second scene. i’m 51, hard to say, and hope that i like you can become a whole person and let all the past go. i can only wish the same outcome for my parents as they are in their final sceens, still thinking they are the only stars they are truely missing out on all their supporting actors, their daughter, grand daughters, son in law, ect… i wish i knew what you did to help make this recovery for myself easier as i know it bothers my family to see me battle with all the feelings of rejection, and dont think i have a interview with them, in me. anyways thankyou for sharing your wisdom. im glad you were able to make things wonderful with your children and that they can love you back and accept you for all that you are, good and not so good, as perfection is only an illusion we seek when we need to create an imaginary picture of how wonderful we think our life should be and what others think it is… today i know, i am not perfect, but i am blessed with so much, i’m grateful our paths crossed. hope you can make sense of all this as it is 1am. haha! nite P.S. great show!

  47. Dearest Jane,

    Thank you for being an elder that is willing to share her wisdom, experience, strength and hope about this journey of life as we know it. We all have our stories but, it is what we do with them that is key. When I turned 50 fours years ago my inner truth was” Now I have a responsiblity to women who are younger to be the best I can be” Your sharing on Oprah was about being the best you can be for all to benefit and I surely did! Understanding,forgiveness, acceptance and most importantly love of self and others is the message I heard from you. Today I will focus on becoming more whole even through all my trials and tribulations…for there are a few : )

    Your energy to stay open to all that this beautiful life has to offer is a power of example to this girl who has walked a life that can identify with yours.

    Your style and grace shine!

    Keep dancing for the movement of life keeps getting more peaceful and yes FUN!

    With admiration and love,

    Kim Greenberg

  48. You are a wise wise woman!! And so intelligent!! Im a few years behind you, but you are a role model for the very best in aging and continuing to learn. I loved what you said about curiosity. It keeps you moving, growing. It was an Inspiring hour listening to you!!
    THank you so much for such an authentic and generous sharing of yourself!

  49. Loved seeing you on Oprah. You are both remarkable women.
    I have followed your life for a long time, as I feel a kinship to you.
    You look fabulous. I like what you have to say, I too at 73, find myself more at ease with my life.
    The changes in the world dismay me. I wish there was something I could do to make this a saner world.
    Good luck to you and may this part of your life continue to be happy and healthy.

    Love,
    Joan

  50. Jane I just wanted to tell you how inspiring you were on the Oprah show. I have been struggling for awhile w/ a few things and you saying “living whole” rang so true. I keep putting that to mind and has helped and I am is just the saying and all the meaning behind it to help some changes in my life. You looked wonderful and even more then that are truley a wonderful person. thanks.

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