Two-time Oscar nominee Peter Fonda has died at age 79 from respiratory failure, caused by lung cancer, his family has announced.
"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," the family said in a statement provided to multiple news outlets.
Fonda died Friday morning at his home in Los Angeles.
Fonda was born into Hollywood royalty as the son of renowned actor Henry Fonda. Actress and activist Jane Fonda was his older sister.
Today, we remember two-time Oscar nominee Peter Fonda, who co-wrote and starred in the groundbreaking “Easy Rider.” pic.twitter.com/oHDZHGsJjD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 17, 2019
Fonda was perhaps best known for the 1969 cult classic biker movie Easy Rider, which he co-wrote, produced and starred in. The film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
However, he also had notable roles in films such as Ghost Rider, 3:10 to Yuma, The Limey and The Ballad of Lefty Brown. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1997 film Ulee's Gold, in which he played a widowed beekeeper and Vietnam War veteran.
Jane Fonda told Variety her brother "went out laughing".
"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."
Fans of Fonda's work have flooded social media with tributes and memories of the actor.
Nancy Sinatra, who starred as Fonda's girlfriend in the 1966 film The Wild Angels, shared a throwback picture of the two together alongside the heartfelt caption: "Godspeed, Heavenly Blues. You will carry my heart with you wherever you may ride".
Godspeed, Heavenly Blues. You will carry my heart with you wherever you may ride. pic.twitter.com/ilhj0QOXoF
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 16, 2019
She later tweeted to Jane Fonda, saying "it's up to us now".
"We have to stay strong and healthy to carry on our family legacies. I'm very sorry you lost your brother and I'm here if you need me."
Dear Jane - @Janefonda
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 17, 2019
It's up to us now. We have to stay strong and healthy to carry on our family legacies. I'm very sorry you lost your brother and I'm here if you need me. 💙
Filmmaker Rob Reiner now lives in the house Fonda was born in. He said Fonda was a "revolutionary filmmaker during a revolutionary time".
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
Hollywood's elite came out in force overnight to tell their own Fonda-related stories. Guillermo del Toro, Mia Farrow, and Rosanna Arquette, among more, paid tribute on social media. Del Toro said Fonda changed cinema, but also "lived a life full of love and made this world better".
Peter Fonda- actor, director, dearest man. Gentle, generous, wise soul. Seek Easy Rider, yes- but also seek The Hired Hand. He helped changed Cinema, but he also lived a life full of love and made this world better. pic.twitter.com/stAbjcm1wd
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) August 17, 2019
Rest In Peace peter fonda. Love light you were always born to be wild.
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) August 17, 2019
My Peter Fonda story. We'd followed each other for a while on Twitter, he'd retweet me sometimes, one morning after I posted something about my dad, I woke up to a direct message from him. He was definitely proud of his dad and his country. Rest in Peace Sir. 💜 pic.twitter.com/WxNWWXuG3B
— Bruno 🇺🇸 4 Congress CA23 Against Kevin McCarthy (@BrunoAmato_1) August 17, 2019
Peter Fonda was a lovely person- a beautiful spirit. Peace at last Peter
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 17, 2019
