When news broke that Robert Redford had passed away at 89 on September 16, 2025, Jane Fonda was among the first to share her heartbreak. The 87-year-old actress, who shared decades of friendship and a deep professional connection with Redford, revealed how deeply his loss affected her. “It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” she said through her representative. “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.”

Video: Jane Fonda Talks Being Reunited with Robert Redford… in Bed

A Legacy of Friendship and Collaboration
Jane Fonda and Robert Redford first met while filming Tall Story in 1960. Their on-screen chemistry soon became legendary, blossoming into a friendship that would span more than fifty years and five films together. From the romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park (1967) to the heartfelt Netflix drama Our Souls at Night (2017), their performances captured both youthful passion and the quiet warmth of enduring companionship.

Memorable Moments On and Off Screen
Fonda often spoke of the laughter and mischief that defined their friendship. In a touching Instagram post, she shared a photograph from Our Souls at Night, writing that Bob’s practical jokes often left her doubled over with laughter. “Bob made a real difference in all good ways. He revolutionized independent filmmaking and made us swoon in so many movies. I am very sad today. Cried all morning. But luckily I can think back on so many joyful, laughter-filled moments when his practical jokes would crack me up,” she wrote.

Video: Our Souls At Night | Official Trailer

From Young Love to Mature Romance on Film
Their first major hit together, Barefoot in the Park, showcased them as a newlywed couple navigating the quirks of city life. Fonda once confessed that she fell “madly in love” with Redford while making the film. Decades later, the two reunited for Our Souls at Night, where they portrayed an older couple discovering love in their twilight years. “We played young love in Barefoot, and now we play old people love,” Fonda once said, marveling at how their careers had come full circle.

A Bond That Went Beyond Acting
In interviews, Redford often spoke warmly of Fonda’s spirit and resilience. While promoting Our Souls at Night in 2017, he described working with her as effortless. “Things just kind of fell into place between us, and there wasn’t much more to think about,” he said. He admired her ability to always move forward, saying she was a “force” who never let the past hold her back. Their mutual respect was evident in every project and every public appearance.

Video: Robert Redford Dies at 89: Look Back at His Life in Hollywood

Fonda’s Personal Reflections and Regrets
In her tribute, Fonda revealed that she had wanted to visit Redford in his final months to “make sure we were all right between us,” but she waited too long. “Lesson learned,” she admitted. “When people are our age, late 80s, don’t wait. Thank you, dearest Bob, for all the pleasure you brought over the years. RIP.” Her words served not only as a goodbye to a dear friend but also as a gentle reminder to cherish those we love while we can.

Their Lasting Impact on Cinema
Together, Fonda and Redford brought audiences some of the most memorable love stories in film history. From the playful charm of The Chase (1966) to the wistful romance of Our Souls at Night, their collaborations spanned generations and left an indelible mark on cinema. Redford’s revolutionary work in independent filmmaking through the Sundance Institute and Fonda’s own groundbreaking career stand as testaments to their shared dedication to art and storytelling.

Jane Fonda’s heartfelt tribute captures the essence of a friendship and professional partnership that endured for more than half a century. Her words remind us not only of Robert Redford’s extraordinary talent and impact on film but also of the deep human connections that make life meaningful. Their journey—from young co-stars to lifelong friends—remains one of Hollywood’s most cherished stories, a bond that will continue to inspire audiences and artists for years to come.