A Fascinating Story from Jane Fonda
During a recent appearance, Jane Fonda shared a story that captivated the audience during an evening tribute to Robert Redford. The conversation revolved around their long-standing collaboration in the film industry, and Fonda took the opportunity to recall a memorable moment from their first project together.
The Bold Question
At the TCM Classic Film Festival, Fonda reflected on how striking Redford was when they first met on the set of The Chase. “I met him on The Chase… and, oh my God,” she said, highlighting how quickly she noticed him. Even though both were married at the time, she admitted that she couldn’t ignore the attraction she felt toward him.
This curiosity led her to ask a very personal question: “Do you ever have affairs?” Her question hinted at where her thoughts were going. However, Redford’s response changed the dynamic entirely. He replied, “Well, if I was gonna have an affair, it would be with somebody that was like a hooker.” His answer was unexpected, blunt, and clear enough to close that door completely.
Admiration and Respect
Despite this, Fonda didn’t downplay her admiration for Redford. She called him “a brilliant movie star” and described him as “the most gorgeous human being I had ever been with.” She added that he was smart, funny, and loved practical jokes, but joked that he wasn’t “so reckless that he would have an affair with me.”
Instead of romance, they found a different kind of connection. Fonda shared how they bonded over building stone walls. “We had such a good time talking about stacking stones,” she said.
Chemistry on Screen
While their real-life relationship remained professional, their films told a different story. In Barefoot in the Park, their closeness was hard to miss, and Fonda admitted she was up for those moments whenever she could. “I remember being in the bed. We were supposed to be really cold, which gave an excuse to roll up against him,” she said.
She openly admitted, “I have such a crush on him.” And then, she revealed that she tried to create small moments of connection during scenes. Looking back at a montage, she laughed, “I kept trying to grab his hand. Did anybody notice that? Anything,” showing how she took whatever opportunity she could get.
A Lasting Friendship
Even years later, when they reunited for Our Souls at Night, the dynamic remained unchanged. “In the last one we did together… we were in bed together all the time. But nothing,” she said, emphasizing how their story never crossed that line despite decades of working together.
