Peter Fonda, Star Of ‘Easy Rider’ And ‘Ulee’s Gold,’ Passes Away At Age 79

Aug 19, 2019 by apost team

Actor Peter Fonda, best-known for his roles in “Easy Rider” and “Ulee’s Gold” has died at the age of 79. He lost the battle with lung cancer and passed away in his Los Angeles home surrounded by family.

Fonda became an icon of 1960’s counter-culture thanks to the free-wheeling film “Easy Rider,” which he wrote and starred in opposite Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. The film, which followed a pair of bikers on a cross-country road trip, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and has solidified itself as essential viewing in American film history. Indiewire called it “a pivotal Hollywood moment” because it ushered the movie business into the 1970’s and proved indie movies could be a success.

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Fonda was nominated for an Oscar for his writing in “Easy Rider” and once again for his acting in “Ulee’s Gold” in 1998. He played a bee-keeping Vietnam veteran dealing with his family’s exploits and won a Golden Globe for his performance. He won again in 2000 for “The Passion of Ayn Rand,” and over the course of his career, had more than 100 acting credits to his name, according to IMDb.

He came from a prestigious acting family in Hollywood, as the son of Henry Fonda, brother to Jane Fonda, and father to Bridget Fonda. The grieving family released a statement to the press confirming that he passed at 11:05 am on Friday, August 16.

“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,” said the family’s statement according to The Guardian. “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.”

Peter’s life will be remembered as liberated and with no holds barred. The family asks that “In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.”

Rest in peace to Peter Fonda, a Hollywood star whose light has gone out but who leaves behind an enduring legacy in his films. Let us know your thoughts on “Easy Rider” and tell others about the sad news