Jane Fonda (left) poses with her son, Troy Garity (middle) and daughter, Vanessa Vadim (right) (Photo: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock)
Esteemed actress and activist Jane Fonda has had an illustrious Hollywood career spanning over 60 years. With two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globes, and an Emmy to her name, she has left an indelible mark on the industry. However, her personal life has been fraught with challenges and struggles. In a 2017 interview with The Edit, she opened up about being sexually abused as a child and being fired for refusing to sleep with her boss.
One of Fonda's biggest regrets in life has been her shortcomings as a parent. In an interview with Brie Larson, she candidly admitted, "I regret that I wasn't a better parent. I didn't know how to do it. But you can learn, so I studied how to be a parent. It’s never too late. I am trying to make up for what I didn’t know before. When I die, I want my family to be around me. I want them to love me and I have to earn that. I’m still working at it."
Vanessa Vadim: Following Her Parents' Footsteps
Jane Fonda cradles newborn Vanessa Vadim (Photo: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock)
Vanessa Vadim, Jane Fonda's first daughter, was born in September 1968 to Fonda and her first husband, French filmmaker Roger Vadim. Following in her parents' footsteps, Vanessa has made a name for herself as an award-winning filmmaker. In 2002, she made her directing debut with the short documentary "The Quilts of Gee's Bend." She also contributed to the 2018 documentary "Jane Fonda in Five Acts," which celebrated her mother's accomplishments. As the co-founder of MayDay Media, a non-profit production company, Vanessa continues to contribute to the world of filmmaking.
But Vanessa's passions extend beyond film. Like her mother, she is an environmental activist and actively supports sustainability through her contributions to The Mother Nature Network (now known as Treehugger). While Vanessa keeps her private life out of the public eye, it is known that she has two children with her husband, Paul Van Waggoner, who is a guitarist for the band Between the Buried and Me.
Troy Garity: Carving His Own Path
Jane Fonda smiles with son Troy Garity (Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock)
Troy Garity, Jane Fonda's first son and second child, was born in 1973 during her marriage to Tom Hayden. He has made a name for himself as an actor, best known for his role in HBO's "Ballers" and the Barbershop movie franchise. In 2004, he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Motion Picture for his portrayal of Isaac in the film "Soldier's Girl."
Despite his famous lineage, Troy initially hesitated to pursue acting, fearing that being Jane's son would overshadow his talent. However, he eventually embraced his passion, acknowledging that hard work and dedication were crucial to his success. Troy married Simone Bent in 2007, but they do not have children.
Mary Luana Williams: The Power of Adoption
Mary Luana Williams was adopted by Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden when she was 14 years old. Coming from a background of poverty and surrounded by drugs, Mary's path intersected with Troy's at a summer camp organized by Jane and Tom for underprivileged youth at their Laurel Springs ranch. The adoption was an unassuming affair, but it had a profound impact on both siblings.
Mary chose a different path than her siblings, foregoing a career in acting or filmmaking. Instead, she became an activist and worked closely with the Lost Boys of Sudan. In her 2013 book "The Lost Daughter," she recounted how Jane's outreach transformed her life and detailed her journey to reconnect with her biological family, whom she had not seen since joining Jane.
Mary's personal life remains private, and she does not appear to be married or have children.
Through Jane Fonda's ups and downs in life, her children have remained a constant source of love and support. Each of them has carved their own unique path, building their own legacies while carrying with them the influence of their remarkable mother. The bond shared between Jane Fonda and her three children is a testament to the power of family and the enduring strength it brings.
