February 23 - Peter Fonda

Happy Birthday, Peter Fonda! Born today in 1940 as Peter Henry Fonda, this American actor, screenwriter and director was the son of Henry Fonda, the younger brother of Jane Fonda, and the father of Bridget Fonda. He was also a part of the counterculture of the 1960s. 

  

Fonda is best known for co-writing, producing and co-starring in the 1969 American independent road drama film 'Easy Rider' as Wyatt. This was alongside Dennis Hopper (who co-wrote, co-starred and directed)as well as a young Jack Nicholson in his breakout role. 

The success of 'Easy Rider' helped spark the New Hollywood era of filmmaking during the early 1970s. 

The film was a landmark counterculture film, and a "touchstone for a generation" that "captured the national imagination." 

  

As a filmmaker, Fonda is best known for directing and starring in the 1971 American Revisionist Western/drama film 'The Hired Hand'. 

The film follows drifting cowboy Harry Collings (Fonda). He brings along his friend Arch Harris (Warren Oates) when he returns to his wife Hannah (Verna Bloom) and ranch after seven years. 

  

In 1998, 'Easy Rider' was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry. 

  

Fonda had been active from 1962–2019. 

  

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