Actor Peter Fonda, known best from his breakout role in Easy Rider, has passed away due to respiratory failure due to lung cancer. The Fonda family released the following statement:
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away. [Peter] passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16 at 11:05 a.m. 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.”
Fonda was the son of legendary actor Henry Fonda, brother of actress Jane Fonda, and father of actress Bridget Fonda. Fonda was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Easy Rider (1969), and the Academy Award for Best Actor for Ulee’s Gold (1997), for which he won a Golden Globe. Fonda also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999).
Peter Fonda was 79.