Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin weren’t born as feminist icons, they each found their way to the movement via different paths and at different parts of their lives. Watch Lily and Jane in their new film, “Moving On,” which opens in theaters on March 17th. | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Laugh-In Audition Lily Tomlin -1st Annual American Comedy Awards - 1987 | 800 Pound Gorilla Media

In 1973, Lily Tomlin was 34 years old—already a breakout star of Laugh-In, where she brought the world unforgettable characters like Ernestine, the sharp-witted phone operator, and Edith Ann, the five-year-old philosopher. During an appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, actor Chad Everett referred to his wife as “the most beautiful animal I own.” Lily didn’t argue. She didn’t lecture. She didn’t even raise her voice. She simply stood up… and walked off the set. Live television. A silent, unmistaka

Lily Tomlin as Ernestine singing "Flashdance" | Flashback Comedy Videos

Lily Tomlin as telephone operator Ernestine "Mr. Vedel" | Flashback Comedy Videos