Troy O’Donovan Garity, born in 1972, is the son of renowned actress Jane Fonda and political activist Tom Hayden. He comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry—his grandfather, Henry Fonda, was a legendary actor, while his mother is a two-time Academy Award winner. Despite being born into wealth and fame, his parents chose not to use their surname for him, opting instead for “Garity,” derived from his paternal grandmother’s maiden name. This decision aimed to help him forge his path without relying on the family's prominent public identity.

From a young age, Garity demonstrated a keen interest in the arts, frequently attending arts camps during school vacations. At 21, he moved to New York City to pursue formal training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. While at the Academy, he performed in various stage productions and specialized in commedia dell’arte, further refining his acting skills.