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Jane Fonda, 85, Explains Why She Won’t Date Anyone Older Than 20

Jane Fonda, 85, has revealed why she won't date anyone older than 20. 
Credit: Alamy

Jane Fonda, 85, has revealed why she won’t date anyone older than 20. 

Fonda is best known for her roles in Barbarella and Monster-in-Law but she’s arguably equally as famous for her out-there personality.

The eighty-five-year-old has also made headlines for having a rather turbulent love life.

The Grace and Frankie star has been married three times and has had a string of high-profile relationships and affairs in between.

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Fonda first wed French film director Roger Vadim back in 1965, and the pair share a daughter, Vanessa Vadim – though they divorced in 1973.

Next on the docket was political activist Tom Hayden, whom she wed three days after her first divorce was finalised!

The pair have a son, actor Troy Garity, and a daughter, Mary Luana Williams, but eventually divorced in 1990.

Finally, Fonda married CNN founder ​Ted Turner in 1991.

The pair were together for ten years, and following their split, Fonda undertook a seven-year vow of celibacy, as per Forbes.

Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda says she won’t date anyone older than 20. Credit: @janefonda/Instagram

In a 2018 interview with The Sunday Edition, Fonda opened up about her love life, saying she’d spent her life seeking the validation of alpha men.

The 80 for Brady actress believed this was a consequence of her mother dying young, leaving her to grow up without a female role model.

Fonda also believed the men in her life were threatened by her professional success, saying: “Some men have a hard time realising that the woman they’re married to is strong and smart and they have to diminish that, because it makes them feel diminished.

“Too bad we have defined masculinity in such a way that it’s so easily shamed.”

That same year, she also told Extra TV: “I’m not dating anymore, but I did up until a couple of years ago. I’m 80; I’ve closed up shop down there.”

And this week, Fonda’s latest love life update has left the internet divided.

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She’s revealed if she does date anyone again, they’ll have to be much, much younger than her.

In a viral clip posted to TikTok, she says: “I’m ashamed to say this, but if I were to take a lover, he’d have to be 20.”

When asked why by the host, comedian Heather McMahan, Fonda replies: “Because I don’t like old skin.”

McMahan initially laughs at Fonda’s remark, but she makes it clear she isn’t joking.

“I don’t,” the Book Club actress confirms, with a totally straight face.

Her age-shaming comments have sparked a debate in the comments.

@dearmedia Keep it fresh, keep it tight for @Jane Fonda #oldskin #youngerman #janefonda #janefondatok #relationshipadvice #absolutelynot #podcastclips ♬ original sound – Dear Media

One person writes: “If a man said that…”

“What about if the 20-year-old doesn’t like old skin?” another queries.

Another points out: “I love Jane Fonda, but does she know men in their 30s and 40s don’t have old skin? That don’t happen till later. Same with women.”

However, others have defended Fonda in the TikTok’s comment section, with one simply stating: “People really don’t understand what a joke is! She’s funny.”

A second agrees: “Y’all can’t understand a joke… Geez.”

While a third laughs, writing: “Please y’all, this is Jane Fonda. She’s a mood.”

Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda has faced a backlash for her latest comments. Credit: @janefonda/Instagram

And it seems as though romance isn’t the only thing Fonda is giving up.

She recently revealed to CBS Sunday Morning: “It’s because even with one drink, like if I had a martini tonight, I would be at half-mast tomorrow.

“Now, that wasn’t true when I was younger. But as you get older, I think alcohol affects you differently.

“And I only have so many tomorrows left. I don’t want to be at half-mast for any of them!”

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Written by Annie Walton Doyle

Annie Walton Doyle is a content editor at IGV who specializes in trending, lifestyle, and entertainment news. She graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London, with a degree in English Literature. Annie has previously worked with organizations such as The Huffington Post, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Harvard University, the Pulitzer Prize, and 22 Words.