I saw that Jane Fonda wrote a post about her life of protest. She’s only a little older than I, and has been in the news all of my life – and she has done some things right. First of all, she was Henry Fonda’s daughter – so she had an easy time starting out in the movies.
Career-wise, she started the game on second-base. Her father’s success put her on base without time in the minors, without needing to get a hit to get on base. I still enjoy watching Cat Ballou – though probably more for Lee Marvin’s role as Kid Shaleen, but Jane did well. She looked good in Barbarella. and supported her father well in On Golden Pond.
Jane was born on second base – and never realized that she hadn’t hit a double. She was a few years older than the baby boomers she competed with in the protest movement (the so-called “Silent Generation” produced many of the protest leaders the Baby Boomers were credited for).
There’s a lot to be said for being born with good looks and wealthy, famous parents. There’s something to be said for starting out ahead of your peer-group (Jane is 88, the oldest boomer turned 80 this year). Jane could afford a life of protest. Still, her best work was probably in the starring role that was basically supporting Lee Marvin.
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