‘9 to 5’ Stars Then and Now: See Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton and Who’s Involved in Jennifer Aniston’s Remake
Jennifer Aniston‘s announcement that she’s working on a 9 to 5 remake sparked feelings of nostalgia and excitement for fans of the 1980 film about sisterhood and solidarity. The screwball comedy inspired a TV sitcom, musical, and documentary. Learn more about where the original cast is now and Aniston’s plans for the remake.
Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 highlighted issues like sexism, equal pay, and workplace abuse. It follows three secretaries who get revenge on their sexist boss and run the company themselves. Parton’s accompanying song, “9 to 5,” became an anthem for women’s rights and workplace equality and was a great commercial success.
Forty-four years later, Jane Fonda remains a fun and outspoken presence on the red carpet. The 86-year-old has recently beaten breast cancer, osteoporosis, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s also appeared in several recent films, like Book Club and 80 for Brady, and documentaries, like Jane Fonda in Five Acts and The Greatest Love Story Never Told.
Lily Tomlin recently lent her voice as Aunt May to the critically acclaimed animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. In 2022, the now-84-year-old received the Peabody Award for Career Achievements. In 2024, the Library of Congress chose Tomlin’s 1971 album This Is a Recording for the National Recording Registry.
Dolly Parton announced that she would no longer tour regularly in 2022. Since then, the 78-year-old has performed occasionally, including a 2023 halftime show at the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys game. She’s also released a rock album, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and a single for 80 for Brady.
Another beloved fixture from the original 9 to 5, Dabney Coleman portrayed Franklin Hart, Jr., the sexist boss and main antagonist. The dynamic actor went on to experience great success in TV and film, with roles in Tootsie, On Golden Pond, and Buffalo Bill. Coleman died from heart failure on May 16, 2024, at 92 years old.
All three women have remained great friends since their first film together. Fonda and Tomlin have appeared in 80 for Brady and Moving On together. Most notably, the pair celebrated a hit comedy series, Grace and Frankie. The Netflix show celebrated seven seasons and many Emmy and SAG Award nominations.
Fonda contributed to Parton’s 2020 documentary, Biography: Dolly. Fonda got teary as she explained Parton’s warm spirit to Access Hollywood, “It’s like through her songs she opens her arms wide and embraces such a broad swath of people that don’t always feel seen, and it’s why people love her.”
In 2017, the 9 to 5 trio caused a stir when they presented the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. The same evening, Fonda and Tomlin celebrated an Emmy nomination for Grace and Frankie, while Parton received a nom for Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
Now, Jennifer Aniston will carry the 9 to 5 torch. In April 2024, her production company, Echo Films, announced that a modernized reboot was being developed. Fonda told ET, “Good luck to them. It’s fun. I wish them a lot of luck. They’re very talented.”
Who’s the “they” Fonda refers to? Aniston has teamed up with Juno director Diablo Cody, who’s currently writing the script for 20th Century Studios. Cody has written and produced many projects, including Jennifer’s Body and United States of Tara. The 9 to 5 reboot is certainly in good hands.
