Actor Peter Fonda has died at 79 after a battle with lung cancer.
The younger brother of Jane Fonda, 81, and son of late actor Henry Fonda and late Canadian-born American socialite Frances Ford Seymour, died Friday morning after suffering from respiratory failure due to lung cancer, ET has confirmed.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away,” the family said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.
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“[Peter] passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16 at 11:05 a.m. at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family,” the statement continued. “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. In honour of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom,” the statement concluded.
His sister Jane Fonda gave the following statement to Variety on her younger brother’s passing: “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.”
The legendary actor leaves behind two children, his actress daughter Bridget Fonda, 55, and his son Justin Fonda, 53, as well as his wife of eight years, Margaret DeVogelaere.
Fonda had been married to Bridget and Justin’s mother, Susan Brewer, from 1961 to 1972. He wed his second wife, Portia Crockett in 1975 and they officially divorced in 2011.
Fifty years ago, Fonda rose to fame as Wyatt in “Easy Rider”.
Just weeks before his death, Fonda tweeted about the 50th anniversary screening and concert he was planning to celebrate “Easy Rider” at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan on Sept. 20. The film starred Fonda, the late Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson.
His other films included “The Trip”, “The Hired Hand” and “Ulee’s Gold”.
Tributes are pouring in on social media:
