Jane Fonda has said she won’t “be around for much longer” in a frank discussion about death.
The 84-year-old announced in September that she had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has now admitted that she’s “not afraid” of the great beyond as she expressed how important it is for celebrities with a platform to talk about urgent causes that they care about.
She told Entertainment Tonight: “I’m not going to be around for much longer.
“When you get to be my age, you better be aware of the amount of time that is behind you, as opposed to in front of you. I mean, that’s just realistic."
The A-lister continued: “I’m ready. I’ve had a great life. Not that I want to go, but I’m aware that it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”
Back in September, Fonda went public with her Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis on Instagram and recognised her privilege having “access to the best doctors and treatments”.
The Grace And Frankie star wrote: “So, my dear friends, I have something personal I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have started chemo treatments.
“This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky.
“I’m also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments. I realise, and it’s painful, that I am privileged in this.
“Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right.”
She added: “We also need to be talking much more not just about cures but about causes so we can eliminate them. For example, people need to know that fossil fuels cause cancer. So do pesticides, many of which are fossil fuel-based, like mine.
“Believe me, I will not let any of this interfere with my climate activism.
“Cancer is a teacher and I’m paying attention to the lessons it holds for me. One thing it’s shown me already is the importance of community. Of growing and deepening one’s community so that we are not alone.
“And the cancer, along with my age - almost 85 - definitely teaches the importance of adapting to new realities.
“The midterms are looming and they are beyond consequential, so you can count on me to be right there together with you as we grow our army of climate champions.”
Over a glittering Hollywood career Fonda has won two Academy Awards, two Baftas and seven Golden Globes.
Her films include 1971’s Klute, 2005’s Monster Law alongside Jennifer Lopez, 1978’s Coming Home and she recently starred with Lily Tomlin in the hit Netflix series Grace and Frankie.
She is also known as much for her activism as her film career, and earlier this year she launched a special campaign group, named the Jane Fonda Political Action Committee, which is aimed at defeating politicians who support the ongoing use of fossil fuels.
