(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Jane Fonda was taught that how she looked "was all that mattered" and admits that she is "vain".

The 73-year-old actress, activist and former model reveals that she has struggled with her body image since she was a young woman. Unfortunately Jane attributes her battle with beauty to lessons she learned from her father, deceased actor Henry Fonda.

"I was raised in the '50s. I was taught by my father that how I looked was all that mattered, frankly," revealed Jane to Harper's Bazaar magazine. "He was a good man, and I was mad for him, but he sent messages to me that fathers should not send: Unless you look perfect, you're not going to be loved."

Throughout her life Jane has been married and divorced three times. Although this negative body image message may have affected her romantic life adversely in previous years, Jane is now positively applying the lessons she has learned through these trials. She takes good care of herself and is not afraid of ageing.

"I'm vain. My arms are thin, but I'm vain about loose flesh. And so I'm careful that what I wear will show off my best parts, which are my waist and my butt," she added. "I have people in my life who will say, 'Honey, you're trying too hard.' I like being saucy, but I'm 73 and a half. I'm still trying to find my way between matronly and coltishness. Colt, not cult: C-O-L-T."

Jane discusses more about her life in Harper's Bazaar September issue, which will hit newsstands on August 16. (C) Cover Media