RIP Peter Fonda – A Tribute

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Peter Fonda, the actor best known for EASY RIDER, passed away at the age of 79 on August 16th, 2019. The official cause of death is said to be respiratory failure due to lung cancer. In a statement, Fonda's family said:

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away. Fonda, 79 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16th at 11:05am at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family… In one of the saddest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy. And, while we mourn the loss of this sweet and gracious man, we also wish for all to celebrate his indomitable spirit and love of life. In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom. From his Family.

In a further statement, Peter Fonda's sister and fellow actor, Jane Fonda, said, "I am very sad. He was my sweet-hearted baby brother. The talker of the family. I have had beautiful alone time with him these last days. He went out laughing."

Born to Henry Fonda and Frances Ford Seymour in 1940, Peter Fonda caught the acting bug early on and was soon appearing in TV shows such as Naked City, Wagon Train, The Defenders, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and more. Fonda became something of a counterculture figure throughout the '60s, which reached its peak when Fonda produced, co-wrote, and starred in EASY RIDER alongside Dennis Hopper (who also directed). Fonda received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for his work on EASY RIDER, and the impact of the film is still felt today as it recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Following the success of EASY RIDER, Fonda directed and starred in cult western THE HIRED HAND, as well as appeared in FUTUREWORLD, THE CANNONBALL RUN, ESCAPE FROM L.A., THE LIMEY, GHOST RIDER, 3:10 TO YUMA, and many more.

Aside from EASY RIDER, the actor's most celebrated role was his starring turn in ULEE'S GOLD, a drama which found Fonda playing a widowed beekeeper who must tangle with some criminals in order to protect his family. The role snagged Fonda an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. You will be missed, Mr. Fonda.