Photo: Kyle McMahon / Elyk Studios
Jane Fonda on Aging, Adventure and Embracing Life in Book Club: The Next Chapter on Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon
There are not many actors who are known across mediums and across six decades, but after all, legendary actress Jane Fonda is no stranger to breaking boundaries and defying expectations. The two time Academy Award winning actor (who's been nominated seven times) has been a trailblazer in and outside of Hollywood for decades and at 85 years old, she's shown no signs of slowing down. In a recent episode of Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon, I sat down with Fonda as she candidly opened up aging in the entertainment industry and about her experience in filming Book Club: The Next Chapter, the sequel to the hit 2018 film Book Club.
Book Club: The Next Chapter reunites Fonda with her iconic co-stars Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen, this time taking their hysterical characters on a journey through Italy. When I asked about her decision to return for the sequel, Fonda confirmed that it was the first sequel in her six decade career. She also revealed that the idea for the sequel's location came from Bergen, who felt Italy would be a "warm, welcoming, delicious country." Great minds, Ms. Bergen!
Photo: Kyle McMahon / Elyk Studios
The legendary Fonda is passionate about shattering the misconceptions surrounding age, especially for women in Hollywood. In the interview, she shares, "I've never done a sequel. I mean episodic television is...you know you keep doing the same thing, but no, I've never done one." This willingness to embrace new experiences at any age is a sentiment that permeates throughout Book Club: The Next Chapter. The hysterically funny sequel is a riotous, uplifting, feel good comedy that is sure to brighten your day - and I think we can all use a bit more of that these days.
Photo: Kyle McMahon / Elyk Studios
Fonda is also very candid about the challenges that come with aging in the public eye, but she refuses to let societal expectations dictate her life. She told me, "I think it is important to look forward and not apologize for our age." This unapologetic attitude is a testament to Fonda's resilience and determination to continue breaking barriers in Hollywood as she has her entire career.
Photo: Focus Features
Book Club: The Next Chapter serves as a celebration of friendship, adventure and the idea that it's never too late to embrace life to its very fullest. With an all-star "Who's Who?" cast featuring Fonda, Bergen, Keaton, Steenburgen, Don Johnson, Andy Garcia and Craig T. Nelson in the film, you know it's a top notch, laughter-filled journey for audiences of all ages.
Book Club: The Next Chapter is in theaters now, and be sure to listen to my full interview with Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen on the Pop Culture Weekly podcast here.
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Check out Kyle McMahon and subscribe to the Pop Culture Weekly podcast. You can follow him on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram and check out his official Amazon Store.