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Peter Fonda, the legendary actor and the brother of Jane Fonda, has passed away after a battle with lung cancer.

He was 79 years old.

Peter Fonda
(Getty)

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away,” a representative for the Easy Rider star said in a statement to Us Weekly.

This rep continued:

“Fonda, 79 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16th, at 11:05 a.m. at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family. The official cause of death was respiratory failure due to lung cancer.”

The actor’s family also released a statement that reads as follows:

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.

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.

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.

Peter Fonda
(Getty)

Concluded this 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.

Fonda was born in New York City to screen legend Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour Brokaw.

He spent his early years growing up alongside his older sister, Jane, until he was sent to boarding school at a mere six years old.

At the age of 12, Peter and Jane lived through a tragedy after their mother committed suicide.

Peter went on to study acting in college and made his professional stage debut in 1961 in the Broadway production of Blood, Sweat, and Standley Poole, according to his IMDb page.

Two years after this Broadway stage debut, the actor transitioned into the movie world, starring in Tammy and the Doctor, prior to taking on an ensemble role in the World War II saga The Victors.

However, his breakout role  came in 1969 when he appeared as Wyatt in Easy Rider, which he also produced and co-scripted.

For his work on the project, Peter earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

He later received another nod for Best Actor in 1998 for Ulee’s Gold.

“I am very sad,” said Jane Fonder, per Variety, adding:

“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.”

Also on his resume, Fonda earned two Golden Globes in his career: a Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama award in 1998 for Ulee’s Gold and a Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television statue two years later for his part in The Passion of Ayn Rand.

The late actor was previously married to Susan Brewer from 1961 to 1974 and Portia Rebecca Crockett from 1975 to 2011.

He married Margaret DeVogelaere in 2011.

May Peter Fonda rest in peace.