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Actress, activist, and icon— is there anything Jane Fonda can’t do? At 88, the Grace and Frankie star remains as dedicated to her craft as she was in the 1960s. The daughter of legendary actor Henry Fonda, Jane made her film debut in 1960 with Tall Story. From that early start to her ’80s workout video era and her ongoing career, her style and signature looks have evolved dramatically over the years.
When Jane launched her film career in the 1960s, she showcased her versatility by starring in a variety of genres—from westerns like Cat Ballou to romances and tearjerkers. She became widely known for her role in Barbarella, an ultra-risque sci-fi film where she played a seductive space explorer on a cosmic quest for love. Offscreen, however, Jane embraced a more down-to-earth style. She often favored pearls, soft curls, and a few mod outfits. Her hair was typically styled in a reddish-brown hue, as seen in photos from that era.
As her acting career evolved, so did her public image and fashion choices. During the 1970s, Jane became equally known for her political activism and embraced the decade’s effortless beauty trends with long, tousled blonde hair. In the 1980s, she entered another era of fame through her wildly successful workout empire, sporting voluminous hairstyles and colorful athletic looks that became synonymous with the fitness craze of the time.
In later decades, Jane continued reinventing herself through projects like Monster-in-Law, Book Club and Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. Fans especially praised the actress when she embraced her natural gray hair during the 2020 Academy Awards, where she presented the Best Picture Oscar to Parasite.
Take a look back at photos of Jane Fonda’s transformation through the years below.
Jane Fonda in 1965
Jane Fonda in 2018
Jane Fonda in 2025
