Peter Fonda

Easton Press Peter Fonda books

Don't Tell Dad - A Memoir - signed first edition - 1998

 

Actor Peter Fonda

Peter Fonda, born on February 23, 1940, was an American actor, director, and producer, best known for his iconic role in the 1969 counterculture film Easy Rider. He was born into a Hollywood family; his father was the legendary actor Henry Fonda, and his sister was actress Jane Fonda. Peter Fonda began his acting career on Broadway in the early 1960s before transitioning to film. He gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for his role as Wyatt in Easy Rider, a film that epitomized the rebellious spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The movie marked a significant cultural moment and became a symbol of the era.

Following the success of Easy Rider, Fonda continued to work in the film industry, starring in various movies throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Some of his notable films include The Hired Hand, Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry, and Ulee's Gold. His performances often reflected a diverse range of characters and genres. Apart from acting, Fonda also tried his hand at directing. One of his directorial works was the critically acclaimed The Hired Hand (1971), showcasing his versatility and talent behind the camera.

Peter Fonda beekeeper role

1997 Peter Fonda role as a beekeeper is perhaps best known from his performance in the 1997 film Ulee's Gold. In this drama, directed by Victor Nuñez, Fonda plays the character Ulysses "Ulee" Jackson, a beekeeper in the Florida Panhandle. The film follows Ulee as a stoic and solitary man who is thrust into a complex family situation when his son is sent to prison, and Ulee must care for his two granddaughters. Ulee's life revolves around his beekeeping business, and the movie delves into his struggles to keep his family together while dealing with various challenges. Fonda's beekeeper portrayal of Ulee earned him widespread acclaim, and he received several award nominations for his performance, including a 1997 Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The role showcased Fonda's ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters, and Ulee's Gold is often cited as one of the standout performances of his later career.

Throughout his career, Peter Fonda remained an influential figure in Hollywood, and his contributions to cinema were recognized with nominations and awards. His legacy extends beyond his acting career, as he became an enduring symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Peter Fonda passed away on August 16, 2019, at the age of 79. His impact on the film industry and his role in shaping the cinematic landscape of the 1960s remain integral parts of his enduring legacy.

 

Don't Tell Dad

In a rip-roaring ride through the '60s and up to the present day, Peter Fonda, son of Henry, brother of Jane, father of Bridget, boldly recalls his turbulent life, sharing with readers for the first time the true stories behind the legends, famous and infamous, surrounding himself and his family.