Every year around Mother’s Day, we’re reminded of the immovable and immeasurable power of mothers. Mothers not only give birth, but they often also raise, teach and inspire their children. They give a part of themselves to their kids — for better or for worse — and hopefully the lessons they’ve imparted will echo for years to come.
That’s certainly the case with Grace and Frankie star Jane Fonda, who has been a huge inspiration to her two TV daughters, June Diane Raphael (Brianna) and Brooklyn Decker (Mallory). The three women have laughed together on-screen and off, even putting their bodies and livelihoods on the line for climate change. Fonda has the kind of career that younger actors aspire to have, as well as the kind of livelihood and longevity that we all look upon with envy.
With Grace and Frankie coming to a close, Tudum thought it would be a fitting moment to ask Raphael and Decker what they learned from Fonda. Did their TV mom inspire them in the way a real mom might? And what lessons will they remember most?
June Diane Raphael I’ve learned so much [from Jane that] it’s hard to distill it into a few sentences. Jane has taught me that the only antidote to despair is activism. Showing up — with your body, your voice — how to spend your privilege in whatever way you can.
I think I’d always looked at aging as a time to rest and reap the rewards of a life well lived. Seeing how Jane shows up every day of her life to make the world better, to learn more, to share more of herself (creatively and for the causes she cares about), I now see my later years as a rich, fruitful and joyous chapter. She gets better with every passing day. I plan on doing the same!
Brooklyn Decker I could write a book on the lessons I have learned from working with Jane. I do have two major takeaways from my time with Jane, though.
One: Relationships are everything. She treasures her children and her lifelong friendships. There are too many triumphs and heartbreaks in life. What matters is who you keep around you.
Two: One of the most important things in life is how you serve. It is a privilege to be able to advocate for others, and it is our duty as human beings to make the world a little better for those who follow. Jane has a deep understanding of this and leverages her power in any opportunity she can to serve others.
The final season of Grace and Frankie is available to stream now.
