Rare Details About Henry Fonda Are Exposing A Side The Public Hasn't Seen

Everybody knows Henry Fonda as a classic film hero and the patriarch of America's most famous acting family, but few know the story behind those sparkling blue eyes. Coming from humble origins in the Midwest, Fonda survived hard times and personal doubts to make it big in Hollywood. But even after achieving stardom, his problems were far from over.

The Real Henry

For an A-list actor, Fonda was surprisingly dismissive of his own success. "You see I am not a very interesting person. I haven't ever done anything except be other people. I ain't really Henry Fonda! Nobody could be. Nobody could have that much integrity." Perhaps that's because he went through an incredible transformation.

Corn Fed

Henry Jaynes Fonda was born on May 16, 1905, in the city of Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the son of the printer William Fonda and homemaker Herberta. Life in Grand Island was quaint, but Henry would barely remember it. And even before he (and later his kids) struck fame, the Fonda family was rather historic.

Dutch Ancestry

In fact, his ancestors were part of the first Dutch colony on the East Coast! The small town of Fonda, New York, is named for them, though Henry didn't live anywhere near it. His childhood took shape after his family moved to Omaha. He didn't realize it at the time, but they lived under some unusual rules.

Christian Scientists

Henry remembered his family fondly, but their religion wouldn’t stick for him: "My whole damn family was nice. I don't think I've imagined it. It's true. Maybe it has to do with being brought up as Christian Scientists. Half of my relatives were Readers or Practitioners in the church."