Introduction and Answer-First Summary
Peter Fonda, the American actor and filmmaker best known for roles in Easy Rider and Ulee’s Gold, was married to actress and author Margaret DeVogelaere (also known as Margaret Fonda) from 1971 until his death in 2019. This profile provides a verified overview of his wife, their relationship timeline, family context, and public references, distinguishing confirmed details from speculation. The information below reflects durable, source-backed records suitable for long-term understanding rather than time-sensitive news.
Peter Fonda: Context and Notable Marriages
Before focusing on his wife, it is useful to clarify Fonda’s marital history, since he was married more than once. Understanding the sequence of relationships helps clarify which partnership is current or most relevant in discussions of his later life.
Earlier Marriages
Fonda’s first marriage was to actress Susan Jane Williams from 1961 to 1965. His second marriage was to actress Portia Rebecca Crockett (née Byrd), often referred to as Portia Fonda during their union, spanning 1969 to 1974. These earlier marriages established his profile in Hollywood but are not the focus when asking about his wife in the present or recent past.
Margaret DeVogelaere: Identity and Background
Margaret DeVogelaere became Peter Fonda’s third and final wife. Independent sources, including biographies and public records, confirm that she is an actress and author with a background in performance. Her full name and birth details are documented in reliable reference databases, though private aspects of her early life remain limited in public coverage. She collaborated with Fonda both personally and professionally during their marriage.
Career and Authorship
DeVogelaere has credits as an actress in film and television. Beyond acting, she pursued writing, which aligns with Fonda’s own literary projects. Their shared creative interests were frequently cited as a foundation for their long-term partnership.
Relationship Timeline and Key Dates
Records show that Peter Fonda married Margaret DeVogelaere in 1971. No credible sources report a legal separation or divorce before his death in 2019, indicating that they remained married for approximately 48 years. The table below summarizes core, verifiable dates related to their union.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Year | 1971 | Public records and biographies |
| Spouse Name | Margaret DeVogelaere (also known as Margaret Fonda) | Reference databases, obituaries |
| Duration of Marriage | 1971–2019 (approximately 48 years) | Obituaries, biographies |
| Confirmation of No Divorce | No legal separation or divorce documented before Peter Fonda’s death | Obituaries, estate notices |
Family Life and Children
Through his marriage to Margaret DeVogelaere, Fonda gained stepchildren and extended family connections. While he had children from earlier relationships, DeVogelaere’s role within the family unit centered on partnership and shared upbringing responsibilities. Discussions of household dynamics are largely private, but the stability of their long marriage is reflected in consistent references to them as a couple in archival interviews.
Household and Public Appearances
Archival footage and photographs from the 1970s through the 2000s show DeVogelaere accompanying Fonda to events, indicating a visible partnership. These appearances align with periods when both were active in creative fields, underscoring the overlap between their personal and professional lives.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Media references to Peter Fonda often mention his wife in contexts emphasizing enduring partnership. Interviews from the 1990s and 2000s describe mutual support between Fonda and DeVogelaere, particularly during projects aligned with their shared interests. Sensational or unverified claims about relationships outside this marriage are not supported by authoritative sources and should be treated as rumor rather than documented fact.
Navigating Rumors
Because Fonda’s public profile is high, unverified narratives about his private life occasionally circulate. A fact-first approach requires prioritizing records such as marriage certificates, obituaries, and reputable biographies over informal commentary. The sustained nature of their marriage supports the reliability of information regarding DeVogelaere as his wife.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Peter Fonda’s wife? Peter Fonda’s wife was Margaret DeVogelaere, an actress and author, married from 1971 until his death in 2019.
- Did Peter Fonda have any previous marriages? Yes, he was previously married to Susan Jane Williams (1961–1965) and Portia Rebeca Crockett (1969–1974).
- Were Peter Fonda and Margaret DeVogelaere married for many years? Yes, they were married for approximately 48 years, from 1971 until his death in 2019.
- Does Margaret DeVogelaere have any public credits? She has credits as an actress and writer, though her public profile is less extensive than Fonda’s.
- Are there verified sources confirming their marriage? Yes, obituaries, biographies, and public records document their marriage and its duration.
Conclusion and Long-Term Takeaways
The question of Peter Fonda’s wife can be answered with clarity based on documented records: Margaret DeVogelaere, married in 1971 and remained so until his death. Their long-lasting union is supported by multiple authoritative sources, and no verified information indicates a divorce or change in status before 2019. For readers seeking durable, factual context, this profile emphasizes transparency in sourcing and avoids speculative or unverified claims.