Jane Fonda Shares Heart-Wrenching Message on Ex-Husband Ted Turner's Death

Indeed, Jane has long used her platform to advocate for human and environmental rights. In the case of Gaslit—which is now playing in select theaters—the documentary investigates the impact of oil fields and the fossil fuel industry on local communities and beyond. 

As for what sort of advice she’s picked up from her grandmother over the years, it’s hard for Viva to pin down just one lesson.

“I wouldn't even know where to start,” she said. “I'm just so inspired by her spirit. And I think something that she's tried to instill in me, and I think for my generation—it's really hard not to be kind of nihilistic, and she's always kind of challenged me on that. I kind of think in extremes. When I have a belief that's where I lock in on, and she's always kind of pushed me to continue to make compromises.”

As she put it, the Oscar winner “always remains hopeful, even when it's really hard to be hopeful,” Viva reflected. “So, that's something that I'm kind of constantly trying to emulate.”

Jane, meanwhile, shared insight into what it is that keeps her going back to bat for causes that need a voice.

“Well, there's a lot of issues that are facing Americans, especially right now,” the Grace and Frankie actress said. “And, you know, I'm a privileged white woman who's famous. The least I can do is to try to help. Plus, it makes me feel good, and it keeps me from being depressed, and I'll be able to die with a clear conscience.”

And she’s still pinching herself that she’s been given so much time to do this work.

“I thought I'd be dead at 30,” the 88-year-old quipped. “It never occurred to me I've lived this long. I'm astonished every day. I wake up saying thank you, that I'm still here and I'm healthy.”

For another look at celebrities with the next generation of their families, read on.