Remembering the Life of Peter Fonda in Pictures
The Easy Rider actor passed away, but will not be forgotten.
By 
Peter Fonda has been part of Hollywood royalty his entire life, thanks to his famous father, actor Henry Fonda. But instead of following in his dad's footsteps, he paved his own way throughout his career, writing, directing, and acting in movies that helped lead the charge on the counter culture movement. The Easy Rider star sadly passed away on August 16, 2019. Here's a look back at his legacy, from his famous family to his successful career.
A Young Man
Fonda was born in 1940, to Hollywood actor Henry Fonda and Frances Ford Seymour.
Growing Up Hollywood
Peter and his older sister, Jane Fonda, grew up as Hollywood royalty with their father, who was one of the most iconic actors of his time. Sadly, their mother died by suicide when Peter was 10 years old.
Perusing His Passion
Fonda began acting at the University of Nebraska Omaha. After graduation, he joined the Cecilwood Theater in New York and starred on Broadway before transitioning to television in 1962.
The Fonda Family
Both Peter and his sister Jane embarked on successful careers in Hollywood. Jane received a Tony for her 1960 play, There Was a Little Girl, with a pivot to film afterward. Meanwhile Peter made his film debut in Tammy and the Doctor in 1963.
Getting Married
Fonda married Susan Brewer in 1961, after a year of dating.
Inspiring The Beatles
Fonda apparently inspired the popular song from The Beatles, "She said, She said," after partying with the band and sharing his story about almost dying at the age of ten. After telling the tale, Fonda kept repeating "I know what it's like to be dead," Lennon was inspired, and he ended up included the phrase in the song.
A Major Role
Fonda's breakout role was as a biker in the 1966 film Wild Angels. The actor, starring opposite Nancy Sinatra, portrayed the violence of biker life in a fringe-film that ended up being a box office hit.
Attending the Venice Film Festival
Fonda garnered critical acclaim for his role in Wild Angels, which helped him break out from his father's shadow in Hollywood. In 1967, he visited the Venice Film Festival for a screening of the film, alongside his sister, Jane, and her husband, Roger Vadim.
The Film That Changed Everything
In 1969, Fonda released Easy Rider—a movie he wrote and starred in alongside Jack Nicolson. It was an instant success, resulting in his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. It's still iconic today.
Becoming a Symbol
Fonda's roles in Wild Angels and Easy Rider not only launched his film career, but introduced him to the counter culture movement. Throughout the '60s he would be regarded as one of the most anti-establishment actors of his generation.
A Directorial Debut
After his success with Easy Rider, Fonda directed and starred in The Hired Hand. The film was a low-budget production that was backed by Universal Pictures, who (after the success of Easy Rider) was at the time devoting more resources to semi-independent films.
A Happy Family Life
During Fonda's marriage to Susan, they welcomed two children together, a son named Justin and a daughter named Bridget.
Movie Success
During the '70s, the actor's film career was on fire. He starred in 12 films over the course of the decade, including Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (pictured) and Outlaw Blues. He quickly became one of Hollywood's favorite leading men.
Behind the Lens
Peter continued to explore directing in the '70s as well, with Idaho Transfer and the controversial film Wanda Nevada (in which he starred as a love interest to 13-year-old Brooke Shields).
Marrying Again
Fonda and Susan divorced in 1974, but by the next year the actor was remarried. His second wife was Portia Rebecca "Becky" Crockett.
Family First
Peter and Jane helped celebrate their father's 80th birthday in 1980. Their father would pass away two years later from heart disease.
Remembering Their Father
Peter escorts his father's widow, Shirley Fonda, to the grand opening of the Henry Fonda Theater, which was named in memory of his late father.
Social Activists
Both Peter and Jane were vocal activists in the '70s and '80s. The siblings campaigned for Vote Yes on Proposition 65, which restricted toxic waste in California in an effort to preserve clean drinking water.
A Devoted Father
Fonda maintained close with his children throughout his life. His daughter, Bridget, enjoyed a blossoming film career in the 1990s, while his son Justin worked in Hollywood as a camera man.
Still Riding
Fonda became famous for portraying leather-clad bikers on film, but the actor had a real enthusiasm for motorcycles in real life too. He would frequent Harley Davidson events and attended the Love Ride charity event year after year.
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