Last updated on: January 4, 2025
Peter Fonda was an American actor, director, and producer. He is well known for the role he played in the film Easy Rider, released in 1969. Peter Fonda was born on February 23, 1940, in New York City. He hailed from a renowned Hollywood family. His father was the legendary actor Henry Fonda, and his mother was Frances Ford Seymour, a socialite. Peter Fonda was the younger brother of actress and activist Jane Fonda.
Quick Facts About Peter Fonda
| Full Name | Peter Henry Fonda |
| Birthdate | February 23, 1940 |
| Age (at Death)
Height |
79 years
1.89 m |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Spouses | Margaret DeVogelaere (m. 2011–2019), Portia Rebecca Crockett (m. 1975–2011), Susan Brewer (m. 1961–1974) |
| Education | University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha Community Playhouse |
| Parents | Henry Fonda (father), Frances Ford Seymour (mother) |
| Siblings | Jane Fonda (sister), Amy Fishman, Frances de Villers Brokaw (half-sisters)) |
| Children | Bridget Fonda, Justin Fonda |
| Net Worth | Estimated $40 million at the time of death |
| Date of Death | August 16, 2019 |
| Cause of Death | Respiratory failure due to lung cancer |
Early Life
Peter had a pretty tough childhood. He shot himself in the stomach on his 11th birthday. This near-death experience nearly killed him and stayed with him for the rest of his life. It even found its way into his discussions with celebrities such as John Lennon. Despite this, Peter was surrounded by performing arts all through his childhood. His family was associated with Hollywood, which shaped his future.
Education and Career Beginnings
He began taking acting lessons from the Omaha Community Playhouse. He then furthered his studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His debut on Broadway occurred in 1961 when he performed in Blood, Sweat and Stanley Poole. The role garnered him attention, and it kick-started his acting career. In the early 1960s, Peter started to work in movies like Tammy and the Doctor in 1963 and The Victors in 1963.
Becoming a Star
Peter became a legendary figure of the 1960s counterculture. In 1969, Peter published his most successful film to date, Easy Rider. The screenplay was a co-creation between Peter and others. The story centered on the concept of freedom and rebellion. Easy Rider grossed over $40 million worldwide and earned a miniscule $380,000 for its production budget. Moreover, the movie Easy Rider gained a nomination in the Academy Award under Best Original Screenplay. Peter played Wyatt who rode the iconic “Captain America” motorcycle. He became an icon of that time.
Some other notable performances
Apart from Easy Rider, Peter appeared in many movies. Some of his more famous films are The Cannonball Run, which was released in 1981, and Ulee’s Gold, which was released in 1997. He won the Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for Ulee’s Gold. During his career, he won two Golden Globe Awards. This marked his potential and commitment to performing as an actor.
Personal Life
He married thrice and has two kids, Bridget Fonda and Justin Fonda. Bridget is an actress, as was her father. She has appeared in movies including Jackie Brown. Peter had a rather complicated relationship with his father, Henry Fonda. They were estranged for several years but ultimately made up before Henry’s death in 1982.
Challenges and Legacy
Peter’s life, however, was full of struggles. His mother died when he was young. Then he nearly died as a child. These two things shaped him in the most profound way, yet he was able to make some difference in American cinema. He became an icon of his generation through playing the role in Easy Rider. In fact, the film defined the spirit of the 1960s.
READ ALSO: Jane Fonda Net worth, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts & More
Final Years
Peter Fonda died August 16, 2019. He passed away from complications of lung cancer, specifically through respiratory failure. His sister referred to him as her “sweet-hearted baby brother.” She often reminisced fondly about his free spirit while celebrating the culture and films to which he brought so much importance.
His legacy is huge: Peter Fonda was an undeniable loss, but his work stands tall.
Legacy of the Fondas
The Fonda family is one of Hollywood’s most iconic dynasties. The work of Peter, along with his sister Jane and father Henry, helped to shape American cinema. His performances continue to inspire actors and filmmakers. Peter Fonda’s legacy is a testament to his talent, resilience, and the enduring influence of the Fonda family.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com
