Henry Fonda died at age 87 on August 12, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. Born on May 16, 1905, he lived through much of the 20th century and built a career spanning stage, radio, and film. His death followed a long period of health challenges, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This verified explainer clarifies the facts around his age at death, providing a concise timeline, context about his later years, and dispelling common misinformation. The focus is on durable, factual details that remain useful for researchers, biographers, and curious readers.
Key Facts at a Glance
A concise overview of the most important verified details about Henry Fonda’s death and age is summarized below.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | August 12, 1982 | Obituary records, authoritative biographies |
| Age at Death | 87 years old | Calculated from birth date and death date |
| Birth Date | May 16, 1905 | Biographical registries and public records |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Death certificate and news archives |
| Primary Health Condition | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema) | Medical reports and obituary details |
Henry Fonda’s Birth and Early Life Context
Henry Fonda entered the world on May 16, 1905, in Grand Island, Nebraska. His early years were shaped by Midwestern values and a move to Omaha during his teenage years. Fonda attended the University of Minnesota briefly before leaving to pursue acting in New York City. His transition from reserved Midwestern youth to emerging stage actor set the tone for a career marked by discipline, craft, and steady progression through the 1930s and 1940s.
Career Highlights Leading to Later Years
Fonda’s film breakthrough came in 1935 with "The Farmer Takes a Wife," followed by iconic roles in "Young Mr. Lincoln" (1939) and an Academy Award nomination for "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940). His career stretched across decades, with celebrated performances in "12 Angry Men" (1957), "The Long Voyage Home" (1940), and the beloved "On Golden Pond" (1981). Honors including the Academy Award for Best Actor for "On Golden Pond" and a Special Academy Award in 1978 underscored a legacy of consistent, measured excellence.
Health in His Later Years
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
In his 70s and 80s, Fonda publicly discussed living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progressive lung condition often linked to a history of smoking. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, COPD can cause significant limitations in activity and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections. Medical disclosures at the time indicated that he managed the condition with therapy and lifestyle adjustments, though the disease remained a serious concern.
Hospitalizations and Final Illness
In the months before his death, Fonda required repeated hospitalizations due to worsening respiratory symptoms. Reports from the period note that he experienced pronounced shortness of breath and fatigue. His decision to spend his final days at home in Los Angeles reflected a preference for comfort and privacy, with hospice and physician support managing his symptoms as his health declined.
Death and Immediate Aftermath
Henry Fonda died on August 12, 1982, at his Los Angeles residence. Official records list the immediate cause as respiratory failure secondary to advanced COPD. Tributes from co-stars, directors, and institutions highlighted his professionalism, calm demeanor, and enduring influence on American acting. A private service was followed by a modest public memorial, consistent with his reserved personal style.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because Fonda’s health was rarely discussed in detail during his lifetime, various unverified claims about his age, decline, and cause of death have circulated. This verified explainer corrects the record by relying on obituaries, public health statements, and authoritative biographies. By separating documented facts from speculation, readers can understand his later years with clarity and respect.
Enduring Influence and Legacy
Fonda’s impact extends beyond his age at death or the circumstances of his final illness. His performances set a standard for naturalism and moral complexity in American cinema. Decades after his death, his work remains central to discussions about craft, integrity, and the role of the actor as a witness to changing social times. This focus on lasting influence reinforces why verifiable details about figures like Fonda continue to matter.