Hollywood actor Peter Fonda has died at the age of 79.
His family said he died surrounded by his loved ones at his home on Friday morning.
The actor had been battling lung cancer.
The son of actor Henry Fonda and brother to actress Jane Fonda was best known for the 1969 classic Easy Rider.
The film, which he created and starred in with Dennis Hopper, cemented Fonda’s place in 1960s counter-culture and was nominated for a best screenplay Oscar.
The two men wrote the film together; Hopper directed and Fonda produced.
The film was made for around $380,000 and went on to gross $40m worldwide.
"Saddest moment"
His family announced his death overnight.
“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,” they said
“As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy.
“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 honour of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.”
"Sweet-hearted"
Tributes have been pouring in for the actor since his death was announced.
His sister Jane 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."
Director Guillermo del Toro said he, “helped changed Cinema, but he also lived a life full of love and made this world better. “
Peter Fonda- actor, director, dearest man. Gentle, generous, wise soul. Seek Easy Rider, yes- but also seek The Hired Hand. He helped changed Cinema, but he also lived a life full of love and made this world better. pic.twitter.com/stAbjcm1wd
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) August 17, 2019
Musician Roger McGuinn, frontman of the Byrds, whose music featured in the Easy Rider soundtrack, said: "I just lost a dear friend."
Actor Cary Elwes tweeted: "RIP #PeterFonda. A legend not only on screen but for helping create the independent film industry. There will never be another like him."
3) I loved it when he would call me “man”. I did! Every time I had the chance to run into him, he was the same guy. Not an ever-changing chamaeleon like so many Hollywood folks. Unbelievably giving and kind and comfortable.
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 16, 2019
Comedian Kathy Griffin posted a thread to Twitter, recalling her first meeting with Fonda and calling him an "actor's actor."
She said he was not a "Hollywood phony" and would tell her to "keep doing my thing, man."
Griffin added: "I loved it when he would call me 'man'. I did! Every time I had the chance to run into him, he was the same guy.
Not an ever-changing chamaeleon (sic) like so many Hollywood folks. Unbelievably giving and kind and comfortable."
