Peter Henry Fonda has died at the age of 79, his family reports to People. In their statement, they say the actor died Friday following a battle with lung cancer. “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away,†Fonda’s family explained. “[Peter] passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16 at 11:05am at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family. The official cause of death was respiratory failure due to lung cancer.â€
Son of Henry Fonda, brother of Jane Fonda, and father of Bridget and Justin Fonda, the actor rose to stardom in the 1960s, earning a Best Original Screenplay Academy Award nomination for Easy Rider in 1969 before segueing into action films in the ’70s and ’80s. In 1997, Fonda was nominated for an Oscar yet again, this time for his turn as the star of the 1997 family drama Ulee’s Gold.
“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. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy,†said his family’s statement. “And, while we mourn the loss of this sweet and gracious man, we also wish for all to celebrate his indomitable spirit and love of life. In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.â€