Jane Fonda’s Secret Crush: The Robert Redford Connection

Jane Fonda’s first big break came in 1960 with the film Tall Story, where she played June Ryder, a cheerleader with her sights set on Anthony Perkins’ character. Tucked away in the background, though, was a young Robert Redford, making an uncredited appearance as a basketball player. That small role marked the beginning of a friendship and working relationship that would last a lifetime.

Over the years, Fonda and Redford teamed up for a string of films, including The Chase in 1966, Barefoot in the Park the following year, The Electric Horseman in 1979, and, much later, Our Souls at Night in 2017. Their on-screen partnership was always effortless, with a natural rapport that made their characters’ relationships feel genuine. Both actors often spoke about how easy it was to work together, never needing to over-explain or rehearse endlessly. As Redford once put it,

‘Whatever her life was – which was all over the place – whatever my life was, when we came together, those things were forgotten. We were just she and I working together.’

Unspoken Feelings and On-Screen Chemistry

That ease wasn’t just down to familiarity. There was a spark between them that went beyond just being colleagues. Fonda later admitted that she’d developed a bit of a crush on Redford every time they worked together. She told People,

‘He is so handsome and just such a wonderful human being. Every film I made with him, I developed a crush on him.’

She also shared with The Guardian that she was always ‘in love’ with Redford, though nothing ever happened between them as they were both married at the time.

Redford, for his part, said he never realised Fonda’s feelings, but he did sense that there was something special whenever they shared a set. Their connection wasn’t just about looks or charm. Fonda was drawn to what Redford stood for—his environmental activism and progressive values. Having spent years on the frontlines of protest herself, she found it meaningful to work alongside someone who was just as passionate about making a difference.

Shared Values and Lasting Impact

Their bond ran deeper than most on-screen partnerships. It was built on mutual respect, shared ideals, and a genuine understanding of each other’s lives. That’s why, when Redford passed away, Fonda felt the loss so keenly. She didn’t just lose a co-star; she lost a mate who truly understood what it meant to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s tough.

Reflecting on his passing, Fonda said,

‘It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.’

Even in grief, she made a point of highlighting the good he’d done and how his legacy continues to inspire her to keep pushing for change.