Remembering the acting legend Henry Fonda
The Hollywood and stage legend whose career spanned over five decades in a series of memorable roles, was born on this day in 1905
Remembering the acting legend Henry Fonda
The iconic actor Henry Jaynes Fonda, whose career spanned over five decades, was born on May 16, 1905, in Grand Island, Nebraska. With his distinctive presence and commanding performances, Fonda became one of Hollywood’s most revered and beloved actors.
Fonda’s early success came on the Broadway stage, where he gained recognition for his talent and versatility. He made his Broadway debut in 1929 and quickly rose to prominence with acclaimed performances in plays like “New Faces of 1934” and “Mister Roberts,” the latter of which earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 1948.
In 1935, Fonda made his transition to the silver screen, starring in films like “The Farmer Takes a Wife” and “You Only Live Once.” His breakthrough role came in 1939 with “Young Mr. Lincoln,” directed by John Ford, in which he portrayed the legendary American president with a quiet dignity and depth that would become his trademark.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Fonda continued to deliver memorable performances in films such as “The Grapes of Wrath” (1940), “12 Angry Men” (1957), and “The Wrong Man” (1956), earning critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.
One of Fonda’s most iconic roles came in 1940 with “The Grapes of Wrath,” in which he portrayed Tom Joad, a disillusioned farmer struggling to survive during the Great Depression. His performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest actors.
In the later years of his career, Fonda continued to captivate audiences with his powerful performances in films like “On Golden Pond” (1981), for which he won his first and only Academy Award for Best Actor. The film, which also starred Katharine Hepburn, showcased Fonda’s ability to bring warmth and humanity to his characters, earning him universal acclaim.
Henry Fonda, the father of the also successful actors Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda, passed away on August 12, 1982, at the age of 77, in Los Angeles, California.
Watch Henry Fonda picking his favorite roles in this clip from The Dick Cavett Show aired in 1972
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