- - Wanda Sykes Reveals the Hilariously Generous Reason Why Jane Fonda Couldn’t Hang Out During a Trip to L.A.

Desiree Anello, Daniela AvilaJanuary 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM

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Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Jane Fonda and Wanda Sykes at Variety's 2025 Power Of Women -

Wanda Sykes revealed the hilarious reason Jane Fonda couldn’t meet up for dinner during one of her visits to Los Angeles

“I realized then that God sent Jane to make us all feel s----y about ourselves,” Sykes quipped

The actresses first met on the set of 2005’s Monster-in-Law

Wanda Sykes and Jane Fonda are finding ways to make their long distance friendship work — but it isn’t always easy.

During Vanity Fair’s Power of Women 2025 event, Sykes, 61, reflected on one time in particular when her Monster-in-Law costar, 88, had prior commitments and couldn’t make time to meet up while she was visiting Los Angeles.

“It's hard to catch up with each other,” Sykes admitted, noting that she had asked Fonda if she wanted to get dinner and drinks. “Jane responded back, ‘I would love that, but I'll be in the Amazon meeting with the indigenous people to talk about climate change.’ I stayed in bed for days. What is my [purpose], what am I doing?”

Indeed, the Upshaws actress couldn’t help but gush about how generous and kind her longtime friend has always been — in her own special way, of course.

“My pastor said something and it resonated,” Sykes continued. “He said, ‘God doesn't send you things. He sends you people.’ Yeah. So, I realized then that God sent Jane to make us all feel s----y about ourselves. We need to be better folks.”

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For her part, Fonda has also held her beloved friend in high esteem since meeting her on the set of Monster-in-Law 20 years ago.

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Wanda Sykes and Jane Fonda at Variety's Power of Women on Oct. 29, 2025

“I've been in the business a minute now and I've seen many people who can reach certain heights and forget all about who they are and where they came from,” the Grace and Frankie actress said at the event. “Wanda is not one of those. She has always worked hard to open doors and she can open for people after her.”

Beyond her comedy career, Fonda emphasized that Sykes always made a habit of using her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

“She works with incredible organizations like the Ruth Ellis Center, which works to create a supportive environment and community for LGBTQ+ young people,” Fonda continued, quipping, “and all she asks for in return is her beautiful face on the cover of Variety. So glad to see that work.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”