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Wanda Sykes revealed the hilarious reason Jane Fonda couldn't meet up for dinner during one of her visits to Los Angeles
"I realized then that God sent Jane to make us all feel s----y about ourselves," Sykes quipped
The actresses first met on the set of 2005's Monster-in-Law
Wanda SykesandJane Fondaare finding ways to make their long distance friendship work — but it isn't always easy.
DuringVanity Fair'sPower of Women 2025event, Sykes, 61, reflected on one time in particular when herMonster-in-Lawcostar, 88, had prior commitments and couldn't make time to meet up while she was visiting Los Angeles.
"It's hard to catch up with each other," Sykes admitted, noting that she had asked Fonda if she wanted to get dinner and drinks. "Jane responded back, 'I would love that, but I'll be in the Amazon meeting with the indigenous people to talk about climate change.' I stayed in bed for days. What is my [purpose], what am I doing?"
Indeed, theUpshawsactress couldn't help but gush about how generous and kind her longtime friend has always been — in her own special way, of course.
"My pastor said something and it resonated," Sykes continued. "He said, 'God doesn't send you things. He sends you people.' Yeah. So, I realized then that God sent Jane to make us all feel s----y about ourselves. We need to be better folks."
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For her part, Fonda has also held her beloved friend in high esteem since meeting her on the set ofMonster-in-Law20 years ago.
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"I've been in the business a minute now and I've seen many people who can reach certain heights and forget all about who they are and where they came from," theGrace and Frankieactress said at the event. "Wanda is not one of those. She has always worked hard to open doors and she can open for people after her."
Beyond her comedy career, Fonda emphasized that Sykes always made a habit of using her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
"She works with incredible organizations like the Ruth Ellis Center, which works to create a supportive environment and community for LGBTQ+ young people," Fonda continued, quipping, "and all she asks for in return is her beautiful face on the cover ofVariety. So glad to see that work."
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