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Peter Fonda, the writer, director and actor best remembered for playing a motorcycle-riding avatar of the counterculture in “Easy Rider,” an emblematic film of the 1960s that he helped write, died Friday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79.

The death was confirmed by his manager, Alan Somers.

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A statement from the Fonda family said the cause of death was respiratory failure from lung cancer.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away,” the statement began.

“(Peter) passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 16 at 11:05 a.m. at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family,” the statement said.

He was married three times and is survived by his most recent wife, Margaret DeVogelaere.

“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,” the statement said.