Jane Fonda Reflects on Her Mother's Heartbreaking Suicide

Acclaimed actress Jane Fonda has never shied away from discussing the complexities of her family dynamics, particularly her relationship with her father, the legendary Henry Fonda. But in a deeply personal new interview, the 80-year-old icon delves into the profound and lasting impact of her mother Frances Ford Seymour's tragic suicide in 1950, when Jane was just 12 years old.

Speaking candidly to Jess Cagle for PeopleTV, Jane revealed how her mother's struggle with bipolar disorder shaped her early years and influenced her self-perception. "When a parent isn't emotionally present, isn't able to reflect love and support back to you, it can have a massive effect on how you view yourself," Jane explained. This lack of emotional connection left a deep mark on her childhood and her sense of identity.

The Long Road to Understanding and Forgiveness

For many years, Jane carried the weight of guilt, believing that somehow she was responsible for her mother's death. "As a child, you always think it's your fault," she admitted. "It's hard for a kid to blame an adult because they depend on them for survival. It takes a long time to let go of that guilt." Through years of reflection and self-discovery, Jane eventually came to terms with her mother's mental health challenges and found a way to forgive both her parents for their shortcomings.

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Jane’s parents, Henry and Frances. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Uncovering the Truth and Finding Closure

After Frances passed away, her husband, Henry, shielded his children, Jane and Peter Fonda, from the truth, telling them their mother had died of a heart attack. It wasn't until years later that Jane discovered the reality of her mother's mental health struggles and the circumstances surrounding her death. In writing her memoir, My Life So Far, published in 2005, Jane dedicated the book to her mother as a way to better understand her. "I knew that if I dedicated my memoir to her, I'd be forced to really delve into who she was," Jane said. "I didn't truly know her because she suffered from bipolar disorder."

Through meticulous research and reviewing her mother's medical records, Jane gained insight into Frances' mental health journey. This process allowed her to finally let go of the guilt and blame she had carried for so long. "Once you uncover the truth and understand the reasons behind the pain, you can start to see it wasn't your fault," Jane explained. "It wasn't that I wasn't lovable. My parents had their own issues, and once you recognize that, you can feel empathy for them and ultimately forgive."