Jane Fonda sparked amusement and intrigue on Sunday night with a playful yet pointed comment directed at Barbra Streisand regarding her Oscars tribute to their late co-star, Robert Redford. The legendary actor, who passed away in September at the age of 89, was honored during the In Memoriam segment, where Streisand delivered a heartfelt speech praising his "thoughtful and bold" nature before performing a rendition of "The Way We Were."
A Cheeky Remark from Jane Fonda
While many viewers were moved by Streisand's tribute, Jane Fonda offered a different perspective away from the Dolby Theatre. In a lighthearted yet revealing moment, Fonda quipped, "I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford. She only made one movie with him, I made four!" This remark, delivered with a small smile, hinted at the longstanding and complicated dynamic between the two iconic actresses.
Historical Tensions and Public Sparring
The relationship between Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand has been marked by subtle rivalries and public exchanges over the years. In 2016, tensions surfaced when Streisand claimed to have "made Jane Fonda's career" in a deadpan aside, as reported by the New York Times. This comment referenced roles in films like "Klute," "Julia," and "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" that Streisand turned down, ultimately going to Fonda.
When asked about this dig on "Watch What Happens Live," Fonda did not hold back, responding, "She needs to say things like that to kind of, you know, give her a little boost. You have to feel sorry for her. It's been a tough life. She needs something to boost her up." Despite the sharp words, Fonda's tone suggested the jibes were not taken too seriously, reflecting a mix of camaraderie and competition.
Shared Admiration for Robert Redford
One significant common ground between Fonda and Streisand is their mutual admiration for Robert Redford. Fonda collaborated with Redford on four films: "Tall Story" (1960), "The Chase" (1966), "Barefoot in the Park" (1967), and "The Electric Horseman" (1979). In contrast, Streisand starred with him only in the 1973 classic "The Way We Were."
Both actresses have openly confessed to having crushes on the Hollywood heartthrob. In 2015, Fonda admitted, "I was always in love with Robert Redford. I made three films with him and nothing happened because I was married and he was married." She added fondly, "I live for sex scenes! He's a great kisser. It was fun to kiss him in my 20s and then to kiss him again in my almost 80s."
Redford's Perspective and Lasting Bonds
Robert Redford spoke warmly of his connection with Fonda, stating, "Jane and I have had a very special relationship going back to 'The Chase.' It just clicks. Whatever her life was - which was all over the place - whatever my life was, when we came together, those things were forgotten. We were just she and I working together." Fonda echoed this sentiment in a 2015 blog post, describing their 50-year friendship and noting they were both "loners essentially and kinda moody."
Meanwhile, Streisand was equally captivated by Redford. Author Robert Hofler, in his 2023 book "The Way We Were," claimed she was "infatuated" with her co-star and "mesmerized" by his beauty. The film's director, Sydney Pollack, added, "Barbra was delighted because she had a crush on him, even before we started. It was hard for women not to have a fixation, because he was everywhere, like Elvis."
Interestingly, it was reported that Redford wore two pairs of underwear during sex scenes to "protect himself," as he did not want to get involved with someone he didn't consider a "serious actress" and was a happily married father of four at the time.
Oscars Tribute and Fonda's Reaction
Given their shared history with Redford, it was fitting that one of these actresses would be chosen to present his tribute at the Oscars. However, Fonda made headlines when questioned about the event at the Vanity Fair Oscars party by Entertainment Tonight. When asked for her thoughts on the In Memoriam segment, she confessed, "I didn't see that!" As the conversation shifted to her dress, Fonda launched into her outburst about Streisand, emphasizing she had "more to say" about Redford.
She elaborated, "I was always in love with him. [He was] the most gorgeous human being and had such great values. He did a lot for movies - he lifted up independent movies." This comment underscored her deep personal and professional connection to Redford, contrasting with Streisand's single collaboration.
Enduring Friendships and Legacy
Despite any rivalry, both Fonda and Streisand maintained close friendships with Redford over the years. In 2015, Streisand presented him with the Chaplin Award, joking, "Dear Bob, it was such fun being married to you for a while. Too bad it didn't work out! But we made something that will last much longer than many real marriages." They later reunited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "The Way We Were," with Redford telling Streisand he loved her "dearly and always will."
Jane Fonda's playful jab at the Oscars tribute highlights the intricate web of relationships in Hollywood, where admiration, competition, and lasting bonds intertwine. As fans reflect on Robert Redford's legacy, the stories from Fonda and Streisand offer a glimpse into the personal connections that shaped his iconic career.
