'Easy Rider' Star Peter Fonda Dead at 79
Legendary actor Peter Fonda died on Friday morning after suffering respiratory failure due to lung cancer. He was 79.
A statement from the family to The Blast says that Fonda "passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16 at 11:05 AM at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family."
The family continued, "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."
The statement concluded, "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."
Peter Fonda was the son of actor Henry Fonda and the brother of actress Jane Fonda. He had two children, including actress Bridget Fonda.
Jane Fonda released a statement saying, "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."
He is best known for his iconic role of Wyatt in the 1969 film "Easy Rider" opposite Dennis Hopper. Fonda was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for that film and was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1997 film "Ulee's Gold."
The last big event Fonda was photographed at was the 34th Guadalajara International Film Festival at the Performing Arts Center on March 9, 2019 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
