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Henry Fonda
Playing principled Americans in The Grapes of Wrath and 12 Angry Men.
The Grapes of Wrath · 12 Angry Men
- Born
- 16 May 1905
- Birthplace
- Grand Island, Nebraska, United States
- Died
- 12 August 1982
More people
Henry Fonda
Henry Fonda was an American actor whose quiet manner often conveyed moral resolve. He also overturned that familiar image in darker roles, including the villain of Once Upon a Time in the West.
Early life
Nebraska upbringing
Grew up in Omaha and initially considered journalism.
Community theatre
Began acting at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Career
- 1920s–1930s
Stage apprenticeship
Worked in regional theatre and on Broadway.
- 1935
Film debut
Carried The Farmer Takes a Wife onto the screen.
- 1940s–1980s
Screen and stage
Balanced Hollywood with theatre, including Broadway’s Mister Roberts.
Selected work
The Grapes of Wrath
Played displaced farm worker Tom Joad.
12 Angry Men
Played the juror questioning an apparently straightforward guilty verdict.
On Golden Pond
Won an acting Oscar for playing an ageing father.
Beyond work
Wartime service
Served in the US Navy during the Second World War.
Acting family
His children Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda became prominent actors.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Studio publicity still. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
