Fonda Praises Comedic Co-Star Sykes for Hilarious On-Set Antics

On November 1st, 2025, veteran actress Jane Fonda honored her former co-star Wanda Sykes at an event. Fonda and Sykes had worked together on the 2005 romantic comedy film, where Sykes played the role of Ruby, the assistant to Fonda's character, Viola.

Fonda revealed that the filming process was quite challenging, not just because she had to keep slapping Jennifer Lopez's character, but also because she had to maintain a straight face while working with the improvisational Sykes. Fonda shared that she and Sykes both enjoyed improvising, so she never knew what Sykes was going to say, and the takes would get funnier and funnier.

Fonda praised Sykes as one of her "favorite people in the whole world," recognizing her as a skilled actress and a dedicated activist who has worked hard to open doors for others. Fonda highlighted Sykes' advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and her involvement with organizations like the Ruth Alice Center, which works to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ young people.

In her speech, Fonda also recalled a recent attempt by Sykes to catch up with her over dinner, only to be told that Fonda would be in the Amazon meeting with Indigenous people to discuss climate change. This anecdote led Sykes to reflect on a sentiment shared by her pastor, that "God doesn't send you things, he sends you people," and that Fonda was sent to make everyone feel "s----y about themselves" in order to inspire them to be better.