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Peter Fonda Bio, Age, Career, Cause of Death & More

Peter Fonda was an American actor and filmmaker best known for his work in the counterculture classic Easy Rider and his Academy Award-nominated performance in Ulee’s Gold. Fonda was featured in several movies before his death and in this post, we will take a look at what he did.

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Peter Fonda Biography and Career Summary

Born on February 23, 1940, in New York City, Fonda was the son of Henry Fonda, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, and the younger brother of Jane Fonda, an actress and activist in her own right. Despite his family’s impressive showbiz pedigree, Fonda struggled to find his footing in the early years of his career.

It wasn’t until 1969, with the release of Easy Rider, that Fonda truly made his mark on the entertainment industry. Co-written by Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Terry Southern, the film followed two bikers on a journey across America, encountering a variety of colourful characters along the way. The film was a box office hit and a critical darling, earning Fonda and his co-stars an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

In the years that followed, Fonda continued to act in a variety of films, including The Hired Hand, The Cannonball Run, and Race with the Devil. He also made his directorial debut with the film The Hired Hand, which he also wrote and starred in.

In 1997, Fonda earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in Ulee’s Gold, in which he played a beekeeper struggling to keep his family together in the face of adversity. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Fonda widespread acclaim for his powerful performance.

In addition to his work in the film industry, Fonda was also an activist and advocate for a variety of causes. He was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, and he supported environmental and Native American rights.

Peter Fonda was known for his laid-back, easygoing demeanour, which was often on display in his on-screen performances. He was a lover of motorcycles and, in fact, owned several of his own. He was also a musician and wrote several songs throughout his career.

In addition to his work in film, Fonda also appeared on television, with notable roles in the series The Hero and Grace and Frankie. He was married three times and had two daughters, actress Bridget Fonda and activist and journalist Vanessa Vadim.

Despite his many successes, Fonda also faced challenges in his personal life, including struggles with substance abuse. He was open about his past addiction to alcohol and cocaine, and he sought treatment in the 1980s.

In his later years, Fonda remained active in the entertainment industry, continuing to act and occasionally directing. He was a popular figure at film festivals and industry events, where he was known for his affable and approachable demeanour.

Peter Fonda Movies

Peter Fonda appeared in many films throughout his career, including the following:

  • Easy Rider (1969)
  • The Hired Hand (1971)
  • Idaho Transfer (1973)
  • Race with the Devil (1975)
  • Wanda Nevada (1979)
  • The Cannonball Run (1981)
  • Ulee’s Gold (1997)
  • The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999)
  • Ghost Rider (2007)

Some of his other notable films include Out of the Blue (1980), Escape from L.A. (1996), and The Limey (1999). He also made appearances in a number of television shows, including The Hero and Grace and Frankie.

Peter Fonda Spouse

Fonda was married three times. He was first married to Susan Brewer in 1961. They had two children namely Bridget and Justin. After 13 years of marriage, they divorced in 1974. Peter again married Portia Rebecca Crockett, in 1975. This marriage also lasted for 36 years in 2011 when they divorced. His last marriage was with Margaret DeVogelaere, in 2011 till his death in 2019.

Peter Fonda’s Cause of Death

Fonda passed away on August 16, 2019, at the age of 79. He died from respiratory failure caused by lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles. Peter Fonda left behind a lasting legacy as an actor, filmmaker, and activist, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

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    Reinaldo Massengill

    Update: 2024-05-02