Peter Fonda, who died on August 16, 2019 at age 79, was an American actor, writer, director, and producer best known for co-writing, co-producing, and starring in the landmark counterculture film Easy Rider (1969). Born into Hollywood royalty as the son of Henry Fonda and brother of Jane Fonda, he forged his own path as a symbol of 1960s rebellion and later earned critical acclaim for his performance in Ulee’s Gold (1997). His death was caused by respiratory failure resulting from lung cancer, a fact confirmed by family members and multiple news outlets.
Fonda’s career spanned more than five decades, from early motorcycle films to late-career character roles. He remains a touchstone of the New Hollywood era, and his work continues to be studied and celebrated.
Who Is Peter Fonda? Biography and Early Life
- Peter Fonda was part of the celebrated Fonda acting dynasty as the son of Henry Fonda and brother of Jane Fonda.
- He co-wrote, produced, and starred in Easy Rider, a film that defined the counterculture movement.
- He died of lung cancer at age 79 in 2019.
- His net worth at the time of death was estimated at $20 million by multiple celebrity net worth sources.
- He had two children: actress Bridget Fonda and Justin Fonda.
- He was married three times, including a long marriage to Susan Brewer (1961–1974).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Peter Henry Fonda |
| Born | February 23, 1940, New York City, USA |
| Died | August 16, 2019, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Cause of death | Lung cancer (respiratory failure) |
| Occupation | Actor, film director, screenwriter |
| Active years | 1962–2019 |
| Family | Son of Henry Fonda, brother of Jane Fonda, father of Bridget Fonda |
| Notable work | Easy Rider (1969), Ulee’s Gold (1997) |
Fonda was born in New York City to actor Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour Fonda. Wikipedia notes that his mother’s suicide when he was ten deeply affected him. He attended the University of Nebraska but left to study acting at the Actors Studio in New York. His early career included stage work and small television roles before his film debut in Tammy and the Doctor (1962). His rebellious image began to take shape with the motorcycle film The Wild Angels (1966).
What Was Peter Fonda’s Cause of Death?
Peter Fonda died on August 16, 2019, at his home in Los Angeles. The official cause was respiratory failure caused by lung cancer, as reported by his family. The Guardian obituary described his death as the result of a long battle with the disease.
How Old Was Peter Fonda When He Died?
He was 79 years old. Born on February 23, 1940, he passed away just under six months before his 80th birthday.
What Is Peter Fonda’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death, multiple celebrity net worth sources estimated his net worth at $20 million. This figure is not officially verified by a court or estate filing, but it reflects his decades-long career in film, television, and production. Britannica records his professional achievements but does not include a net worth figure.
The exact net worth of Peter Fonda varies across sources. While $20 million is frequently cited by celebrity net worth trackers, no public legal document confirms this amount. Estimates should be treated as approximate.
What Movies Did Peter Fonda Star In? Complete Filmography
Fonda appeared in more than 60 film and television productions over his career. His most famous work remains Easy Rider, but his filmography includes a wide range of genres from biker films to dramas, westerns, and even comic book adaptations.
Easy Rider – The Masterpiece
Released in 1969, Easy Rider starred Fonda as Wyatt (“Captain America”), a motorcycle-riding drug smuggler on a cross-country journey with his friend Billy (Dennis Hopper). Fonda co-wrote the script with Hopper and Terry Southern, and produced the film. The movie earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. IMDb lists it as his defining credit, and it remains a cultural touchstone of the counterculture era.
Selected Notable Films
- The Wild Angels (1966) – Early motorcycle film that established his screen image.
- The Hired Hand (1971) – Western film that Fonda also directed.
- Idaho Transfer (1973) – Science fiction film directed by Fonda.
- Wanda Nevada (1979) – Adventure film directed by Fonda.
- Ulee’s Gold (1997) – Critically acclaimed drama that earned Fonda an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
- The Limey (1999) – Crime drama directed by Steven Soderbergh.
- Ghost Rider (2007) – Fonda played Mephistopheles, the devilish antagonist, in this Marvel adaptation.
Peter Fonda’s role in Ghost Rider (2007) as Mephistopheles is a minor but memorable part. He had previously turned down the lead in the 1970s film Easy Rider spin-off ideas. The role introduced him to a new generation of comic book fans.
Complete Filmography – A Snapshot
A full chronological filmography can be found on Rotten Tomatoes and Television Academy profiles. Key career milestones include his first film in 1962 and his last acting role in the 2019 television series The Last Full Measure.
For a complete list of all Peter Fonda movies and TV appearances, refer to authoritative databases such as IMDb and Wikipedia.
What Is the Timeline of Peter Fonda’s Life and Career?
- 1940: Born in New York City.
- 1962: Film debut in Tammy and the Doctor.
- 1966: Stars in The Wild Angels, his first major motorcycle film.
- 1969: Releases Easy Rider as co-writer, producer, and star.
- 1997: Stars in Ulee’s Gold, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
- 2007: Appears as Mephistopheles in Ghost Rider.
- 2019: Dies of lung cancer on August 16.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Uncertain About Peter Fonda?
Established information
- Cause of death: lung cancer (confirmed by family and obituaries).
- Academy Award nomination for Ulee’s Gold.
- Peter Fonda was Jane Fonda’s brother.
- He had two children: Bridget and Justin.
Information that remains unclear
- Exact net worth varies by source; no official financial disclosure is publicly available.
Why Peter Fonda Matters: Cultural and Cinematic Legacy
Fonda helped define the New Hollywood era that emerged in the late 1960s. Easy Rider captured the counterculture movement’s spirit of freedom, disillusionment, and rebellion against mainstream American values. The film’s success proved that youth-oriented, anti-establishment cinema could be commercially viable and artistically significant.
His family ties also contributed to his cultural resonance. As the son of Henry Fonda and brother of Jane Fonda, he was part of one of America’s most famous acting dynasties. Yet he carved a distinct identity, often playing outsiders and rebels. Later in his career, he transitioned into respected character roles, showing his range in films like Ulee’s Gold and The Limey.
His legacy is that of an artist who used his privilege and talent to push boundaries, and whose work continues to be referenced in discussions of 1960s cinema and American individualism.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Peter Fonda?
Authoritative sources include the Wikipedia entry, which offers a detailed biography with citations; Britannica for a concise, encyclopedia-level overview; and IMDb for a complete filmography. The Guardian and New York Times published obituaries that provide additional context on his life and death.
“Peter Fonda, the actor, writer and director who as the star and co-writer of the 1969 film ‘Easy Rider’ became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture, died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79.”
— The New York Times, August 16, 2019
For official Academy Award records, the Oscars website can be consulted, though its search function is required to locate individual nominees.
What Is the Lasting Impact of Peter Fonda?
Peter Fonda’s work, especially Easy Rider, remains a benchmark of American independent cinema. His journey from Hollywood scion to counterculture icon to respected character actor illustrates a career marked by reinvention and authenticity. No major posthumous works or estate revelations are expected, but his films continue to reach new audiences through streaming and revival screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Fonda
Was Peter Fonda married?
Yes, he was married three times: to Susan Brewer (1961–1974), Portia Rebecca Crockett (1975–1989), and Margaret “Parky” DeVogelaere (2011–2019).
What was Peter Fonda’s height?
Peter Fonda was 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall.
Did Peter Fonda serve in the military?
No, he did not serve in the military.
How many children did Peter Fonda have?
He had two children: actress Bridget Fonda and Justin Fonda.
What was Peter Fonda’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but several celebrity net worth sites place it at around $20 million at the time of his death.
Was Peter Fonda in Ghost Rider?
Yes, he played the villain Mephistopheles in the 2007 Marvel film Ghost Rider.
What is Peter Fonda most famous for?
He is best known for writing, producing, and starring in Easy Rider (1969), a defining film of the counterculture era.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.