Who was Joshua Logan? Jane Fonda reveals Director’s sharp words almost made her quit acting

Jane Fonda is an acclaimed Hollywood actress. According to an article by People magazine, the actress is being felicitated with a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 Screen Guild Actors Awards for her contribution to American cinema on Sunday.

Recipient of many accolades, including two Oscars, eight Golden Globes, and one Emmy, the accomplished actress recently revealed that after doing her first film, she had thought of quitting acting after being critiqued by her then-director Joshua Logan.

In an interview with Variety, the 87-year-old actress recalled the time she worked with Logan on the sets of her debut film, Tall Story. He had reportedly criticized her looks, which made her almost quit acting.

I had decided after my first movie, Tall Story, that I was going to quit while I was ahead

According to the actress, Logan had commented on her cheeks and the shape of her lower jaw. He said

You should have your jaw broken so your cheeks aren’t so puffy

The actress further expressed that statements like these often take a toll on a girl's confidence, especially as a newcomer.

According to reports, the actress had a fallout with Logan when she bought back a five-year movie contract from the director for a price of one hundred thousand dollars.

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Who was Joshua Logan?

Born on October 5, 1908, in Texas, Joshua Logan was one of the most renowned directors in yesteryear Hollywood, especially during the 1950s and '60s. He is accredited with making classics such as Annie Got Gun, Charlie's Aunt, Fanny, and Mister Roberts to Broadway. He also wrote and produced many movies.

Logan studied at Princeton University from 1927 to 1931 but did not graduate. While there, he was actively a part of 'The Triangle Club,' a musical, theatrical group. He made his acting debut in 1932. Later, he started working as an assistant stage manager and a director, thus exploring his love for the art form.

After serving in the US Army during World War II, he directed the musical Annie Got Gun, a massive success. His musical titled South Pacific also bagged the Pulitzer Prize in the year 1949 in the drama category. He has worked with some big names like Marilyn Monroe, and his film Sayonara received a spate of Academy Award nominations.

It was during the 1960s that Logan directed The Tall Story, a romantic comedy starring Jane Fonda, Anthony Perkins, and Ray Walston. After that, Logan directed the blockbuster classic Fanny and Mister Roberts and co-wrote Ensign Pulver. After a couple more musicals like Tiger Tiger Burning Bright and All American, he decided to do some backstage work. His last movie was Paint Your Wagon in 1969.

Logan was hospitalized many times for mental illness and was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. He also was a strong advocate of mental health and asked people to use medicines for treating mental health diseases.

Logan died in the year 1988 in Manhattan at the age of 79. As per reports, he suffered from supranuclear palsy, a debilitating disease for 6 years, which was also said to be the reason for his demise.