Jane Fonda says Ted Turner would ‘be so unhappy’ about CNN’s post-merger future
Jane Fonda says Ted Turner would 'be so unhappy' about CNN's post-merger future
Jane Fonda says Ted Turner would - Los Angeles, with its sprawling expanse, has reminded Jane Fonda of a profound truth: the city she once left behind is now her home again. At 88, the iconic actress, who has long been a beacon of activism and artistry, finds herself in Century City, near the historic Fox Studio Lot, where her legendary father, Henry Fonda, once worked under contract. This return to the film industry's heartland is both a personal and professional journey, reflecting a lifetime of dedication to causes she cares deeply about.
Fonda, a two-time Oscar winner, recalls her early years in Hollywood with a mix of nostalgia and humor. After growing up in the film mecca, she ventured to distant places like Atlanta and Paris, France, only to circle back to Los Angeles. Her son, Troy Garrity, who is known for his role in the "Barbershop" franchise, lives nearby, making the city not just a professional hub but also a personal anchor. Despite the convenience, Fonda admits she didn’t anticipate her own return to this environment.
"I never thought this would be my 'hood," she says with a wry smile. "My first thought to my son was, 'I don’t want to live in a gated community with a bunch of old farts.'" The humor in her words masks a deeper reflection. "And then I found out, I’m the oldest one there." Her self-deprecating remark underscores her unyielding spirit, a trait that has defined her career and activism for decades.
Despite the quips, Fonda remains as energetic and driven as ever. Her latest project, the Greenpeace documentary "Gaslit," is a testament to her relentless advocacy. The film, which expands its theatrical run on June 26, captures her journey across Texas and Louisiana, where she travels by SUV to highlight the struggles of communities impacted by industrial emissions and the environmental costs of oil and natural gas production. This mission is part of a nearly six-decade-long commitment to environmental justice, activism, and storytelling.
"Why would I slow down?" Fonda asks, her voice brimming with conviction. "I’m blessed to be able to use my voice and influence." She adds, "I’d be depressed if I wasn’t getting the word out, knowing what I know." The documentary is a continuation of her work with Greenpeace's Fire Drill Fridays, a campaign that saw her arrested five times during 2019 Washington D.C. climate protests. One memorable arrest occurred on her 82nd birthday, spent in a jail cell with a "lot of cockroaches," as she humorously recalls.
"There’s nothing more liberating than being arrested for civil disobedience," Fonda says, reflecting on the experience. "Your whole body is aligned with your deepest values." While she prefers to avoid cuss words, the phrase "fuzzy rat’s ass" — a trademark of her late husband, Ted Turner — slips out effortlessly. "I picked that up from Ted," she explains, recalling his distinctive Georgia accent. "He had great ones, like, 'You look lower than a pregnant duck.' I don’t even think about it. I don’t like cuss words, but they do come out of my mouth sometimes."
"There's nothing more liberating than being arrested for civil disobedience. Your whole body is aligned with your deepest values."
Fonda’s words echo the ethos of her activism, which has evolved from on-screen roles to real-world impact. The "Gaslit" documentary, directed by Katie Camosy, emerged from these protests. Camosy met Fonda during the filming of the arrests, and the project became a way to capture the raw, on-the-ground stories of those affected by the fossil fuel industry. Shot over three weeks in 2024, the film features Fonda not just as a star but as a collaborator, joining other notable voices like songwriter Maggie Rogers and "Friday Night Lights" alum Connie Britton on the road trip.
"Jane Fonda always looked like Jane Fonda," Camosy notes. "And, actually, she did her own hair and make-up. She’s surprisingly low maintenance." The director emphasizes that the production was far from a glamorous affair. "We needed a bathroom break in the field, and Jane just said, 'I’ll just use this porta-potty. We have to keep shooting.' She was just one of the team."
Fonda’s current concerns extend beyond environmental issues to the future of CNN, the network she has long associated with her late husband, Ted Turner. As the founder of the 24-hour news channel, Turner’s legacy looms large in her mind. She fears that the merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance could shift CNN’s direction, placing it under the control of Bari Weiss, the controversial Editor-in-Chief of CBS News. "That CNN could come under the control of Bari Weiss breaks my heart," she says, her voice tinged with worry.
The documentary "Gaslit" opens with a vintage clip from a 1980 Houston TV interview, where the young Fonda speaks passionately about grassroots efforts over political maneuvering. This segment highlights her enduring belief in direct action, a philosophy that has guided her through years of activism. Her recent personal losses, including the passing of environmentalist and actor Robert Redford in September at 89, have added new layers to her resolve. "I still miss him," she admits, underscoring the emotional weight of her work.
Fonda’s reflections on Ted Turner’s influence are equally poignant. "He had such great expressions," she says, recalling how his phrases have become part of her lexicon. His untimely death in May at 87 has deepened her concern for CNN, a network that once stood as a revolutionary force in news. "I think Ted would be so unhappy with what’s happening now," she says. "He believed in the power of the press to hold corporations accountable. If the merger changes that, I know he’d be disappointed."
As the release of "Gaslit" approaches, Fonda remains focused on her mission. Her work with Greenpeace and the documentary’s journey through industrial landscapes serve as a reminder of her unwavering commitment. Whether on the road or in the spotlight, she continues to blend her personal history with global issues, ensuring her voice remains as powerful as ever. "I don’t want to slow down," she reiterates. "That’s who I am — a fighter, a storyteller, and someone who believes in making a difference."