Jane Fonda, 87, showcased surprising bravery as she faced down a wild bear that had broken into her New Mexico bedroom, where her grandson was sleeping. The entire incident, characterized by its sudden danger and Fonda’s courageous response, was shared by the actress during Netflix's podcast "Skip Intro" on February 28.
Jane Fonda scared away a bear approaching her grandson Malcolm's crib by making loud noises and making herself appear larger, People reported.
The unsettling event unfolded when Fonda, residing in New Mexico to care for her grandchild, was alerted by a noise originating from her bedroom. Intrigued and cautious, Fonda decided to investigate the source of the disturbance in the middle of the night, as described by her son, Troy O'Donovan Garity, during the podcast.
Upon entering her bedroom, Fonda found a bear that had managed to dislodge a screen door and entered her space. Most alarmingly, the bear was found hovering over the crib of her grandson, Malcolm. Reacting swiftly, Fonda did not hesitate to confront the unexpected intruder.
To ward off the bear, Fonda increased her physical presence by yelling and expanding her posture dramatically. "And that was it. And get very big; I opened my bathrobe,” she explained during the interview, describing her immediate tactic to scare the bear.
Fonda's efforts to intimidate the bear proved effective. She recalled how the bear, after a moment of tension, began to retreat. "And then [it] walked back to the door and sat down, and I did, I pushed it out, yeah," Fonda recounted. This physical pushing was the final act that ensured the bear exited her bedroom, leaving behind a soiled rug as the only damage.
In a lighter moment during the podcast, Fonda’s son, Troy, apologized to the sound man for the loud reenactment of the bear encounter his mother was giving. This humorous aside added a lighter tone to the otherwise tense recounting.
This bear encounter is just one of many moments from Jane Fonda's remarkable life, her actions reflecting the boldness she’s demonstrated in both her personal and professional spheres. Fonda, a celebrated actress and activist, recently appeared in public eye once again when she attended the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles with her son, where she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award on February 23, 2025.
Her family includes her two other children, Vanessa and Mary Luana Williams, from different relationships, and her grandchildren, Malcolm and Viva Vadim, who have occasionally been seen accompanying her at public events. In April 2024, Fonda was seen with her granddaughter Viva at the TIME Earth Awards Gala in New York.
The public’s fascination with Fonda's life off-screen is as strong as their admiration for her work on it. Whether tackling roles in Hollywood or dealing with wildlife in her home, Fonda continues to lead a life full of action and passion. Her recent recount of the bear encounter not only highlights her protective nature but also her fearless approach to unexpected challenges.
