Mary Luna Williams is the adopted daughter of Jane Fonda, an American activist and actress. Besides being known as the daughter of the activist, Mary has also made a name for herself as an activist and as an author. She is the author of the memoir The Lost Daughter, which details her adoption to Tom Hayden and Jane Fonda.
Early Life
Mary Luana Williams was born in East Oakland, California, to her parents, Mary and Randy Williams. She was the fifth born in a family of six children, and growing up in her neighbourhood was not easy. Her parents were members of the Black Panther Party and were dedicated to ensuring that African Americans weren’t mistreated. Due to the nature of their work, it threatened the livelihood of Mary Luana; her father was arrested and jailed for seven years while her mother developed alcoholism.
Life was hard for Mary Luana and her siblings, and they had to be taken to Laurel Springs Children’s Camp, a camp founded by Jane Fonda. Mary’s life at the camp changed, and she aspired to greater things.
Mary’s Sexual Assaults
When Mary was 14, she really wanted to become an actor and at least change her life for the better for herself and her family. So, she set herself on an acting journey; she would go for training and auditions in different theatres. One day, she decided to go training at a director’s house, a man named David. While in her training session, the man raped her and made it a habit. It felt like she was in some abusive relationship with this guy since he sexually assaulted her severely, and she did not dare to mention this heinous act to anyone.
Fast forward, David moved, and Mary Luana Williams felt relieved. After she reported what she had gone through to Jane Fonda, who held several conversations with her, It was a tough experience for her, but it set her in the right cause as she is now an activist fighting for those who cannot defend themselves.
Her Adoption of Jane Fonda
Following her rape, Mary had a long conversation with Jane Fonda, who promised to take her in if she worked harder in school and if her grades went up. After hearing this, Mary felt like she had a reason to live and worked hard in her studies. After some time, as promised, Jane Fonda took Mary in, even though she had not talked to her family about adopting her. Though no formal adoption process was followed, Mary’s mother agreed for Mary to be “adopted” by Jane.
Her Career
Mary Luana Williams lived with the Fondas in her adolescent years and into adulthood. However, given what she went through as a fourteen-year-old, she decided to advocate for those who can not defend themselves. Mary has been on this activism journey for over three decades. Besides activism, Mary Luana Williams is also an actor, and she has written several writings, including the memoir The Lost Daughter, where she tells the story of her adoption.