Jane Fonda's Secret Crush on Robert Redford Revealed After Decades
The legendary actress opens up about her romantic feelings for her frequent co-star throughout their five-decade partnership, sharing intimate details about their professional chemistry and personal connection.
When Jane Fonda stepped onto the movie set for her very first film in 1960, she had no idea she was about to meet someone who would become both her most cherished collaborator and her longest-running secret crush. That debut picture, Joshua Logan's Tall Story, featured Fonda as June Ryder, a spirited cheerleader chasing after Anthony Perkins' character Ray Blent. What many don't realize is that Robert Redford appeared in that same film as an unnamed basketball player, launching a friendship and working relationship that would span nearly six decades.
A Partnership That Defined Hollywood Romance
Following their initial encounter, the duo reunited for several memorable projects: The Chase in 1966, Barefoot in the Park the following year, The Electric Horseman in 1979, and their final collaboration, Our Souls at Night, released in 2017. Their on-screen magic wasn't accidental – it stemmed from genuine mutual respect and an effortless working dynamic that both actors treasured.
Redford once described their professional relationship to Esquire as remarkably smooth, explaining how everything between them "just clicks." He noted that regardless of what chaos might be happening in their personal lives, when they came together for work, all distractions disappeared. "We were just she and I working together," he reflected. This deep understanding allowed them to slip into character without lengthy discussions or preparation – they simply knew how to bring out the best in each other.
The Confession That Changed Everything
While their professional chemistry was obvious to audiences worldwide, Fonda recently revealed the personal feelings that fueled their compelling performances. Speaking candidly to People magazine, she admitted to developing romantic feelings for Redford during every single project they shared. "He is so handsome and just such a wonderful human being," she confessed. "Every movie I made with him, I developed a crush on him."
In another interview with The Guardian, Fonda went even further, stating she was consistently "in love" with Redford throughout their collaborations. However, she explained that nothing romantic ever developed between them because both were married during their working years together. Redford later admitted he had been completely unaware of Fonda's feelings, though he acknowledged sensing something special whenever they worked together.
Beyond Physical Attraction
What drew Fonda to Redford extended far beyond his movie-star looks. She found herself deeply attracted to his values and political convictions, particularly his environmental activism and progressive stance on social issues. Having spent years as an activist herself, Fonda felt a profound connection with someone who shared her passion for fighting systemic injustice and standing up for important causes.
This shared commitment to activism created a bond that transcended their professional relationship. When Redford passed away, Fonda's grief was profound and public. She didn't simply mourn privately but used the moment to highlight his contributions to causes they both championed. "It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone," she shared. "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."