Best known for his role as a free-spirited motorcycle rider in 1960s counterculture “Easy Rider,” Peter Fonda died on Friday at 79 at his home in Los Angeles.
His family released a statement to People magazine that the cause of his death was a respiratory failure because of lung cancer.
The Fonda family wrote, “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,” his family added. “In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.”
He had a brief Hollywood career in the mid-1960s before he played an iconic role of Wyatt in Easy Rider. He was the producer and co-writer of the film. He earned an “Academy Award” nomination for best original screenplay. He was nominated for best actor for an Oscar in the 1997 film “Ulee’s Gold.”
