Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Surviving Main Actors from 1968’s “Barbarella”
Roger Vadim’s 1968 sci-fi extravaganza “Barbarella” stands out as one of the most distinctive, racy, and entertaining films within the genre. Set in the 41st century, the movie follows the adventures of Barbarella (Jane Fonda), a cosmically gallivanting freelancer. Frequently shedding her attire, Barbarella is tasked by the Earth President (Claude Dauphin) to locate a missing scientist named Durand-Durand (Milo O’Shea), who has developed an exceptionally powerful weapon known as the positronic ray.
Throughout her quest, Barbarella encounters eerie dolls, befriends a blind angel (John Philip Law), endures a deadly orgasm machine (yet outlasts its mechanical grip), and confronts the Black Queen, the despotic ruler of Sogo (Anita Pallenberg, voiced by Joan Greenwood).
Based on Jean-Claude Forest’s erotic comics, the film channels the same sexual vigor as its rebellious source material, albeit not as explicit. “Barbarella” revels in its smutty tone but also champions a narrative of sexual liberation, with its female protagonist owning her sexual agency. Jane Fonda offers a few nude scenes, always artfully shielded, the most notable being the animated opening credits that sensually follow her form in zero gravity. Given its 1968 release, long before the PG-13 rating era, “Barbarella” is officially rated PG.
With over half a century since its debut, most of the “Barbarella” cast members have passed on. Here are the surviving stars from the iconic film.
Jane Fonda (Barbarella)
At 86 years old, Jane Fonda’s career remains as dynamic as ever, infusing every role with her unmatched talent and energy. Recently, she featured in Jennifer Lopez’s concept musical film “This is Me … Now: A Love Story,” alongside stars like Ben Affleck, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Post Malone. Additionally, she appeared in the 2023 movies “80 for Brady,” “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” and “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.”
Before “Barbarella,” Fonda had already cemented her status as a global icon with roles in “La Ronde,” “Sunday in New York,” and “Walk on the Wild Side.” Her stardom skyrocketed with 1965’s comedic Western musical “Cat Ballou” and further solidified with “Barefoot in the Park” in 1967. In 1969, she received her first Academy Award nomination for “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” She went on to win her first Oscar in 1971 for “Klute” and a second in 1978 for the Vietnam drama “Coming Home.” Her nominations also include “Julia,” “The China Syndrome,” “On Golden Pond,” and “The Morning After.”
Fonda’s vocal opposition to the Vietnam War made her a prominent celebrity protestor, and her political activism remains a significant part of her public life. Her dedication to activism has contributed greatly to her enduring appeal. From 1990 to 2005, Fonda took a hiatus from acting but made a triumphant return, subsequently appearing in numerous films and television shows, including all 96 episodes of the hit series “Grace and Frankie” with Lily Tomlin.
Jane Fonda is undeniably a legend.
Véronique Vendell (Captain Moon)
Another surviving actress from “Barbarella” is Véronique Vendell, who portrayed Captain Moon during the Sogo sequences. In the photo above, she’s the one in purple shorts and go-go boots, escorting Barbarella to a perilous fate. Although Captain Moon was a minor character, just one of the Black Queen’s minions, Vendell remains one of the few living actors from the film aside from Fonda.
Vendell, a French actress, was most active in the late 1960s. She appeared in the acclaimed 1964 drama “Becket” and the Israeli comedy “Delia and the Sailors,” directed by Menahem Golan, co-founder of the Cannon Group. Her other noteworthy performances include roles in Terence Young’s “Mayerling” and the German action film “The Young Tigers of Hong Kong.” Vendell’s body of work has made her a recognizable face among enthusiasts of 1960s and 1970s European cinema.
Vendell’s last film appearances were in “Cross of Iron” (1977) and its 1979 sequel “Breakthrough.” After these roles, she retired from the public eye. Now 82, she presumably lives a peaceful life in France.
Source: Slash Film
