Mary Steenburgen reveals how Jane Fonda’s advice on aging—rooted in intentionality and urgency—has become a guiding principle in her life, career, and relationships.
Mary Steenburgen, the Oscar-winning actress and musician, has shared a profound lesson she learned from her close friend and Book Club co-star, Jane Fonda. In an exclusive interview, Steenburgen revealed how Fonda’s advice on aging has deeply influenced her approach to life, relationships, and her career.
The Lesson: Intentionality in Aging
Steenburgen recalled a pivotal moment early in their friendship when Fonda emphasized the importance of intentionality. “When we became friends, I remember her almost walking out the front gate and then turning around, looking at me and saying, ‘Are we going to be friends?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ And she said, ‘Now don’t just say it by rote. Are you going to be intentional? We’ve got to be. Because at my age, I have to be intentional,'” Steenburgen shared.
This moment of clarity resonated with Steenburgen, who described Fonda’s fierce determination and the urgency behind her words. “I see what she means,” Steenburgen reflected. “I see the intention behind them because there’s a clock, and you don’t know how long you have. But as you get older, it’s shorter.”
Applying the Lesson to Life
Steenburgen explained how Fonda’s advice has become a cornerstone of her personal philosophy. “That same intention has become a part of my life with people I love,” she said. “With not wasting time on people that aren’t in my life for the right reason, for being honest with myself about life. All that stuff, aging, it actually makes it more interesting.”
Fonda’s influence extended beyond personal relationships. Steenburgen also shared another piece of wisdom from her friend: “Don’t take your foot off the gas pedal. Push it down harder. Harder now.” This mantra has inspired Steenburgen to continue pursuing her passions with renewed vigor, both on and off the screen.
A Career Defined by Collaboration
Steenburgen and Fonda first starred together in the 2018 comedy Book Club, a film that celebrated friendship and aging with humor and heart. Their chemistry was so palpable that they reunited for the 2023 sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter, further solidifying their bond both on-screen and off.
Beyond her work with Fonda, Steenburgen has also collaborated with her husband, Ted Danson, in multiple projects. The couple, who have been married since 1995, recently worked together on the second season of Danson’s Netflix series, A Man on the Inside. Steenburgen joined the cast as Mona, a music teacher and love interest to Danson’s character, Charles Nieuwendyk.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Steenburgen described the experience as a dream come true. “We both love being actors; we both love the process,” she said. “So we spent two and a half months together getting up, going to work early, but just giggling the whole time because of what we got to say and do. It was just really a great opportunity.”
The Impact of Aging with Purpose
Steenburgen’s insights into aging with intentionality offer a refreshing perspective in an industry often obsessed with youth. Her words echo Fonda’s long-standing advocacy for embracing life’s later chapters with purpose and passion. For Steenburgen, this means cherishing relationships, pursuing meaningful work, and living authentically.
As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, Steenburgen’s approach serves as a reminder that aging is not about slowing down but about deepening one’s commitment to what truly matters. “Don’t take your foot off the gas pedal,” she reiterated, a testament to the enduring influence of Fonda’s wisdom.
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