Bridget Fonda Then and Now: From A-list glory to retirement obscurity, the actress' transformation
Bridget Fonda prefers staying under-the-radar at 59 after her Hollywood career ended
In the '90s, Bridget Fonda experienced the peak of her fame, portraying diverse roles. Whether embodying a journalist in 'The Godfather III' or portraying a sex symbol in Quentin Tarantino's acclaimed film 'Jackie Brown', Fonda showcased her versatility and captivated audiences.
Bridget Fonda's early start in acting
Bridget Fonda entered the world of cinema at a tender age, making her screen debut at just four years in her father Peter's iconic film 'Easy Rider'. During her youth, she honed her acting skills at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, graduating in 1986. In the following year, Fonda acted in 'Aria', a musical, alongside James Mathers.
Bridget Fonda's big break in 1990
Fonda earned acclaim for her portrayal of Mandy Rice-Davies in the 1989 film 'Scandal'. Her performance even garnered her a Golden Globe nomination. But it was only after Fonda took on the role of journalist Grace Hamilton in 'The Godfather: Part III' that she truly hit the big time after its 1990 release. Her role in 'Single White Female' in 1992 only cemented her standing, showing she could carry a movie as a female lead.
Bridget Fonda's first Emmy nomination in 1997
Following her roles in various films, such as the romantic comedy 'It Could Happen To You' (1994) alongside Nicholas Cage and her voice acting in the animated feature 'Balto' (1995), Fonda found herself on the same flight as director Quentin Tarantino. It was during this encounter that Tarantino extended an offer to her, casting her in the role of Melanie in the acclaimed film 'Jackie Brown' (1997). In the same year as her role in Jackie Brown, Fonda earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in the TV AIDS drama In the 'Gloaming' (1997).
Bridget Fonda's second Golden Globe in 2001
In 1999, Bridget Fonda ventured into the horror genre with 'Lake Placid'. Following this, she joined forces with Jet Li in Luc Besson's 2001 action thriller 'Kiss of the Dragon'. Transitioning to television, she embarked on a series of successful roles that culminated in her securing a second Golden Globe. Following those two films, Bridget Fonda chose not to pursue acting gigs and faded from the industry.
Bridget Fonda's tragic car crash in 2003
In February 2003, Fonda was involved in a serious car crash in Los Angeles, resulting in a vertebral fracture. In 2009, she made a brief return to the public eye when she attended the Los Angeles premiere of Quentin Tarantino's World War II film 'Inglourious Basterds' alongside her husband. Since then, she has been spotted in public only a handful of times.
Bridget Fonda embraces quiet life at 59
Bridget Fonda, now 59, has embraced a quiet life away from the spotlight for the past 12 years, transitioning from her successful Hollywood career to focus on being a stay-at-home mom to her son, Oliver Elfman. The actress's life has undergone significant changes since she bid farewell to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. In April 2023, when asked if she'd ever return to Hollywood, the 59-year-old said in a Daily Mail video, "I don’t think [there’s any chance]. It’s too nice being a civilian."