Henry Jaynes Fonda (May 16, 1905 – August 12, 1982) was an acclaimed American actor with a career that spanned five decades both on Broadway and in Hollywood. His everyman persona was a constant in his on-screen and stage performances. Born and brought up in Nebraska, Fonda made his mark on Broadway before making his Hollywood debut in 1935. His performances in films such as 'Jezebel' (1938), 'Jesse James' (1939) and 'Young Mr. Lincoln' (1939) catapulted him into stardom. He was also a hero on the military front, serving in the United States Navy during the World War II. Fonda's later years saw him portraying a wide array of characters, from villains to military figures. In his final performance in 'On Golden Pond' (1981), Fonda cemented his legacy, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. Fonda was also the patriarch of a family of actors, including children Jane and Peter Fonda, and grandchildren Bridget Fonda and Troy Garity. His career, influence, and contributions to cinema were recognized with various awards and, in 1999, he was named the sixth-Greatest Male Screen Legend of the Classic Hollywood Era by the American Film Institute.

Beyond his professional life, Fonda's personal story is marked by his five marriages and three children, and his political inclination towards the Democratic party. Despite his emotionally distant relationships with his children, Fonda's legacy lives on through them, with both Jane and Peter Fonda becoming successful actors in their own right. The undeniable aura of Fonda's 'everyman' persona in his performances remains a testament to his career spanning decades in the film industry. His life was a mix of professional success and personal challenges, yet he stays remembered as a stalwart of classic Hollywood cinema.