Did Jane Fonda Date Robert Redford? Relationships Defined

Jane Fonda again Robert Redford they have played love interests in many films and have palpable chemistry, leaving many fans to wonder if the pair ever dated in real life.

Surprisingly, the answer is no – but they had a close friendship for decades.

The pair met while filming a 1960 comedy Long Story. Years later, Fonda and Redford reunited in 1966 The Chase.

In 1967, Fonda and Redford starred in their romantic comedy, Barefoot in the Park. The two called again in 1979 An electric horse and 2017 Our Souls at Night.

Redford died in his sleep at the age of 89 in September 2025. The Oscar-winning actor and director was honored at the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, with an award from Redford’s. How We Are Afraid the costar Barbra Streisand. After the awards ceremony, Fonda joked that she should be the one receiving the award.

“I want to know how Streisand did that to Redford,” the actress said Entertainment Tonight. “You only did one movie with him, I did four!”

Keep scrolling to learn more about Fonda and Redford’s friendship over the years:

Why Jane Fonda and Robert Redford Never Met

Both Jane Fonda and Robert Redford were married to other people during their time in the movies.

Redford was married to her Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 to 1985. The two share daughters Shauna,64, and Amy58, son Jameswho died of cancer in October 2020 at the age of 58, and a son Scottwho died of SIDS in 1959 at the age of two months. Redford later tied the knot with her Sibylle Szaggars in 2009.

Meanwhile, Fonda was married to him Roger Vadimwith whom he shares a daughter Vanessa56, from 1965 to 1973. He later tied the knot with her Tom Hayden in 1973. They adopted a son Troy52, before they split in 1990. Fonda was married to him Ted Turner from 1991 to 2001.

Although Fonda’s relationship with Redford did not turn out to be romantic, the Grace and Frankie The star admitted that she was in love with her costar and “fell in love” with him while filming their films.

“I’ve always loved him. [He was] a very good person and with such great values. He did a lot in movies — he promoted independent films,” Fonda said ET after the 2026 Oscars.

What Does Jane Fonda Say About Her Friendship With Robert Redford?

Jane Fonda opened up about her crush on Robert Redford in a 2008 interview People.

“He’s beautiful and a wonderful person,” she said. “Every movie I did with him, I loved him so much.”

Later, Fonda called Redford a “big kisser” and said she “couldn’t go on.” [her] they removed him” from the middle Barefoot in the Park. In addition, Fonda shared that she “lived” in sex scenes no Outside of Africa actor.

What Does Robert Redford Say About His Friendship With Jane Fonda?

Robert Redford told The Telegraph in 2017 that he “didn’t know” Jane Fonda was dating him. However, she liked hers very much Long Story the costar.

“It’s easy [to work with Fonda],” he said in 2017 Today interview. “We have made many films over the years, so it just went that way, there were not many conversations, we didn’t have to talk too much.

Later that year, Redford called Fonda “a force.”

“As long as I know Jane, she always moves forward, and never looks back.” And whatever pain, whatever problems she had in the past, remains in the past and she continues to move forward,” he said. “It’s an admirable quality, and very few people have it like Jane.”

Jane Fonda Paid Posthumous Tribute to Robert Redford

After news of Robert Redford’s death broke, Jane Fonda said Us Weekly in a statement, “I was very touched this morning when I learned that Bob is gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a good person in every way. He stood up for America that we must continue to fight for.”

Fonda also posted a tribute to Redford on Instagram, sharing a photo from Our Souls at Night.

“Bob made a real difference in all the good ways. He represents the America we must fight now to protect. He revolutionized independent film production and made us lose so many movies. I’m so sad today,” he wrote. “I wanted to go see him for the past few months to make sure we are always right between us, but I didn’t act quickly.