The actor, a representative of the counterculture of the 60s, became famous on the wave of public interest in the protest movement. Films with his participation became cult. The founder of the road movie genre.
Biography
Was born in 1940 in New York. His father, Henry Fonda, was already a famous actor at that time. He grew up with his sister Jane, who later also became a famous actress. Peter's childhood was not easy. The father was busy with his career, the mother had serious mental health problems.
The death of his mother had a huge impact on the boy. She committed suicide in a mental hospital when the boy was not even ten years old.
At eleven he accidentally shot himself in the stomach, the boy was saved by a miracle. The treatment and recovery took several months. Later, he recalled this episode of his childhood, claiming that he knew what it was like to feel dead.
Peter did not imagine any career for himself, except for acting. But since the young man needs an education, he entered the University of Nebraska in Omaha, his father's hometown. During his studies, he participated in the acting community, which helped to achieve fame for many actors.
Career
In 1963 he starred in the film Winners, directed by Karl Foreman. The film told about the American soldiers of the Second World War. The overall mood of the film was rather gloomy. For this role, the Foundation received its first award, the Golden Globe. Critics have noted the actor as the most promising newcomer.
The next role of Peter did not meet the expectations of the public. His role in the film Young Lovers, which reveals the drama of an illegitimate pregnancy, was coldly received by the public and critics. In the same year, he was filmed in a TV show on the ABC channel.
In subsequent years, the Foundation almost did not appear in films. The roles that he would like to play are not given to him, since the directors do not see him as a professional. Having earned a reputation as a "dropout", he does not try to fix it, but, on the contrary, does everything to alienate the representatives of the film business.
He grows long hair, actively communicates with representatives of the counterculture, including the Beatles. Participates in various protest actions. In 1966, he was arrested for participating in the riots during an anti-government rally. The rebel was supported by many representatives of the creative professions, in particular Buffalo Springfield dedicated a song to this incident.
In 1966, the Foundation managed to combine the struggle with the system and its desire to act in films. He stars in the movie Wild Angels. The romantic drama about bikers is becoming not only popular, but cult. The film became the ancestor of a whole genre, inspired many screenwriters and directors.
Peter's next role in The Ride, which was released in 1967, was also successful. The script for the film, in which Fonda played, was written by Jack Nicholson. The film is based on revelations about the experience of using drugs, such as LSD.
In 1968, Fonda went to France to take part in the filming of a horror film. Taking part in the film is a family affair as his sister, Jane, is involved with her husband as the director.
Inspired by the success of Wild Angels, Fonda dreams of continuing to work in this style, but does not find worthy scenarios. Then he wrote the script himself, co-written with Terry South and Hopper. The film tells the story of the journey of two bikers in the southern states of America. On the way, they have to defend themselves not only from external violence, but also to fight their internal demons.
Released in 1969, Easy Rider is rapidly gaining international popularity. The film was warmly received by critics, the actors and screenwriters were nominated for an Oscar in several nominations.
In the 70s, Fonda changed roles and began acting in westerns and action films. Films with his participation are perceived by the public with varying degrees of success. In 1974, the film "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry", which tells the story of two criminals trying to rob a supermarket, became a box office hit, later - a cult film.
In the early 1980s, Fonda starred in the hit Cannonball Race, which ironically describes his experience of riding a motorcycle and shooting in early films. His further roles did not have much success.
The turning point in his creative career happened in 1997. His role as a beekeeper saving his family from drug addiction in Uliya's Gold received an Oscar nomination.
In the 2000s, Peter Fonda continues to star in full-length films, in 2007 he participates in the film "Train to Yuma". The film was nominated for an Oscar and received high marks from critics and the public.
Personal life
In 1961, Peter Fonda married Susan Broer. They did not succeed in a cloudless family life. The lifestyle of the young actor at that time did not allow him to devote enough time to his family. Parties, alcohol, drugs, and female fans caused many quarrels and scandals. The birth of children did not change the actor much, in 1974 the couple divorced. I devoted a little of my time to the children of the Foundation.
The second marriage to Portia Crockett turned out to be more successful.
In 2018, Fonda sparked a public scandal with his Twitter comment. In it, he strongly condemned Trump for his policy of separating refugee families. He later had to apologize to Trump and his family to avoid a boycott.
