Hollywood Remembers Peter Fonda: “Raise a Glass to Freedom”
Celebrity fans and friends paid tribute Friday to Peter Fonda, the son of Henry Fonda and younger brother of Jane Fonda, who died in his home at age 79 on August 16. He is best known for playing the role of Wyatt in 1969’s “Easy Rider,” and he also starred in films like “Ulee’s Gold” and “The Hired Hand.” Friends, family and peers posted their tributes to the late countercultural icon.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away,” The Fonda family issued an exclusive statement to People magazine. “He passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16 at 11:05am at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family. The official cause of death was respiratory failure due to lung cancer. 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,” the statement concluded. “In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.”
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See other reactions below:
RIP #PeterFonda. A legend not only on screen but for helping create the independent film industry. There will never be another like him. Our condolences to Bridget and his family ☮️???????? pic.twitter.com/ADInCZXvSb
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) August 16, 2019
Peter Fonda was a lovely person- a beautiful spirit. Peace at last Peter
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 17, 2019
2) I think the first time he approached me was 10 or 15 years ago and I was blown away because he went out of his way to come up to me, very casual not acting like a Hollywood phony at all and would tell me to “keep at it” and “keep doing my thing, man.”????
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 16, 2019
4). I admit I could never get beyond the part where this #EasyRider Legend was just talkin comedy. He was very generous when I would ask him questions about what it was like to make that film and we talked about Dennis Hopper whom he spoke of extremely fondly. This freakin guy! pic.twitter.com/l6GxhlfECg
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 16, 2019
6) This film is a must see. Find it somewhere this weekend you will not be sorry. I honestly think if he was still with us, I’d see him somewhere, talk about politics, film, gossip a little bit, I would try to make him laugh, and he would probably end with “Stay cool, man”. pic.twitter.com/hYoofMxSOM
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 16, 2019
My heart goes out to Jane over the loss of her brother. Peter Fonda was a revolutionary filmmaker during a revolutionary time. Born in the house I now live in, his spirit will be missed.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) August 16, 2019
Wow… lost one of the good ones today.
To one of the most important and iconic show business and activist families in Hollywood history… my condolences.#PeterFonda#EasyRider pic.twitter.com/DvKoMeiC2G
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) August 16, 2019
Rest In Peace, Kind Sir. #PeterFonda https://t.co/9H9XtA80ny
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 16, 2019
RIP Peter Fonda, counter culture legend, groundbreaking actor and all round real life hero. His sampled voice in Primal Scream’s ‘Loaded’ will echo on forever: “Just what is it that you want you to do…” https://t.co/kVXWn7QQNA
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 16, 2019
EASY RIDER depicted the rise of hippie culture, condemned the establishment, and celebrated freedom. Peter Fonda embodied those values and instilled them in a generation. Independent cinema begins with EASY RIDER. Period. #RIPCaptainAmerica pic.twitter.com/HkprgavIM2
— Illeana Douglas (@Illeanarama) August 16, 2019
Peter Fonda was one of the oddest people I’ve ever met, and honestly, I think he’d be thrilled to know I remembered him that way. What a life.
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) August 16, 2019
R.I.P. Peter Fonda. Most will post about “Easy Rider” – a great film – but I’d also strongly recommend his 2nd movie as a director – the little known lyrical western “The Hired Hand” – We did an evening together celebrating it at the Cinematheque – Peter was so proud of that film pic.twitter.com/hfY3c0BVlI
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) August 16, 2019
????Rest Easy Peter Fonda???????? https://t.co/beWqKDsIVp
— Holly????Robinson????Peete (@hollyrpeete) August 16, 2019
May you RIP dear Peter – I will always remember the fun we had on those rides for PEACE/LOVE&HAPPINESS – the Laughter still echoes ! Peter Fonda has passed- Condolences to Family pic.twitter.com/7lvjlJZ9ns
— Robert Davi (@RobertJohnDavi) August 17, 2019
Peter Fonda was a grand man, a terrific actor, and a great friend. Deepest condolences to the Fonda family.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) August 17, 2019
So very sad to hear about the passing of Peter Fonda. RIP Easy Rider~ #PeterFonda pic.twitter.com/XfZ59ZPsIV
— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) August 17, 2019
Read original story Hollywood Remembers Peter Fonda: “Raise a Glass to Freedom” At TheWrap
