Fonda, Henry (1905-1982), was an American stage and motion-picture actor. He became famous for his portrayals of leading men of integrity and for his seemingly effortless acting style. Fonda appeared in more than 80 films. His most famous role was the title character in the comedy Mr. Roberts, which he played on both stage (1948) and screen (1955).
Fonda won the 1981 Academy Award as best actor for his performance in On Golden Pond, in which he co-starred with his daughter, Jane. He also received acclaim for his performances in The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1936), Young Mr. Lincoln (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), The Lady Eve (1941), The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), and Twelve Angry Men (1957). His son, Peter, was a film actor and director.
Henry Jaynes Fonda was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, on May 16, 1905. He first gained recognition for his performance in the Broadway revue New Faces (1934). He made his motion-picture debut in The Farmer Takes a Wife (1935). Fonda: My Life (1981) is his autobiography. Fonda died on Aug. 12, 1982.
