EASY Rider star Peter Fonda has died at the age of 79 after a battle with lung cancer, his heartbroken family confirmed.
The Oscar-nominated actor, whose sister is Jane Fonda, passed away this morning at his LA home after suffering respiratory failure.
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Actress Jane, who starred in Monster-in-law and Barbarella, revealed how her brother “went out laughing”.
She said: “I am very sad. 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.”
His family also released a statement saying: “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away.
“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.
“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,” the statement added.
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Peter was best known for his iconic role in the 1969 cult film Easy Rider – which he also co-wrote and produced.
He starred alongside Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson in the road trip classic.
The 50th anniversary of Easy Rider was on July 14 this year and Peter was planning a concert and screening for September.
As well as being nominated for an Academy Award for the film, he was also nominated for Best Actor for his role as a beekeeper in Ulee’s Gold.
Peter, who was married three times, won a Golden Globe for The Passion of Ayn Rand in 2000.
His most recent wife was Margaret DeVogelaere.
The dad-of-two’s official cause of death was respiratory failure due to lung cancer.
Peter was part of a glittering Hollywood dynasty, as his dad was actor Henry Jaynes Fonda who starred in 12 Angry Men and The Grapes of Wrath.
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