Jane Fonda Opens Up About Her Mother's Suicide: 'It Has A Big Impact'

Jane Fonda strikes a pose backstage ahead of her session with SiriusXM’s Town Hall in New York at the SiriusXM Studios on Wednesday (September 19) in New York City.

The 80-year-old actress and activist recently opened up in her upcoming documentary about growing up with a mother who was bipolar and how she eventually learned to understand and forgive her.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Jane Fonda

In 1950, when Jane was 12 and her mother was 42, she took her own life by slitting her throat while at a nearby mental institution. “If you have a parent who is not capable of showing up, not capable of reflecting you back through eyes of love, it has a big impact on your sense of self,” Jane told People.

“As a child, you always think it was your fault…,” Jane continued. “Because the child can’t blame the adult, because they depend on the adult for survival. It takes a long time to get over the guilt.”

Jane Fonda In Five Acts premieres on September 24th – Watch the trailer here!