American actor Henry Fonda died on August 12, 1982, at the age of 77. His death occurred at his home in Los Angeles, California, due to heart failure, ending a six-decade career marked by iconic performances in stage, film, and television. Best known for roles in 12 Angry Men, On the Waterfront, The Grapes of Wrath, and as the voice of narrator in the television series The Great American Documentaries, Fonda was celebrated for his measured delivery and authoritative screen presence. The following verified details and timeline clarify the circumstances of his final years and provide a concise reference for his death and legacy.
Confirmed Facts and Timeline
Key Dates and Milestones
A concise table summarizes core, source-backed attributes related to Henry Fonda’s death and career context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | August 12, 1982 | Obituary records |
| Age at Death | 77 years old | Calculated from birth date and death date |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Reported in biographies and news archives |
| Reported Cause of Death | Heart failure | Medical and obituary sources |
| Burial | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills | Cemetery records |
| Spouse at Time of Death | Shirlee Adams Fonda (married 1965–1982) | Biographical sources |
| Major Career Highlights | 12 Angry Men (1957), On the Waterfront (1954), The Grapes of Wrath (1940) | Filmographies and critical reviews |
Context on Cause of Death
Heart failure was the primary condition listed on death records. As is common with aging public figures, contributing factors may have included long‑standing cardiovascular issues, but publicly available sources specify heart failure without detailing further comorbidities. The reported circumstances align with natural causes for his age and health history, and no overdose or traumatic event was indicated in official accounts.
Age Timeline Around His Death
Born on May 16, 1905, Fonda turned 77 in May 1982 and died in August of the same year. His last major film role was in On Golden Pond (1981), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. In the year preceding his death, he remained publicly active through readings and ceremonial honors, reflecting a career sustained until shortly before the end.
Immediate Family and Survivors
At the time of his death, Fonda was survived by his wife, Shirlee Adams Fonda, and their daughter, Jane Fonda, an actress and activist. He had been married to Shirlee since 1965 and was previously married to actress Margaret Sullavan. His familial legacy extended through Jane’s own prominent career and continued public engagement.
Distinguishing From Misreported Claims
Clarification is warranted regarding speculation about dates, locations, or altered circumstances of death. Official notices and multiple independent obituaries corroborate August 12, 1982, as the date and Los Angeles as the location. Claims suggesting different dates or causes are inconsistent with documented records.
Legacy and Public Memory
Fonda’s measured delivery and everyman authenticity influenced generations of actors. Institutions such as the American Film Institute have honored his contributions, and his performances remain staples of film curricula and retrospectives. The sustained interest in his work, including posthumous releases and documentaries, underscores a lasting cultural footprint.