Sonny Barger

Sonny Barger was an American outlaw biker, author, and actor best known as a founding member of the Oakland, California, charter of the Hells Angels in 1957.

Ralph Hubert "Sonny" Barger Jr. (October 8, 1938 – June 29, 2022) was an American outlaw biker, author, and actor best known as a founding member of the Oakland, California, charter of the Hells Angels in 1957. He became one of the club’s most prominent public figures and was associated with its growth into an international motorcycle club and countercultural symbol.

Early life

Ralph Hubert Barger Jr. was born in Modesto, California, in 1938 and later became known by the nickname Sonny Barger.

Hells Angels leadership

Barger was a founding member of the Oakland Hells Angels charter in 1957 and later became one of the club’s most visible leaders and representatives. He was widely credited with helping unify Hells Angels charters and expanding the club’s reach.

Public image and counterculture

He became a major figure in late-1960s and early-1970s American counterculture. He became a widely recognized outlaw biker figure in U.S. popular culture, especially during that period.

Books and screen appearances

Barger also worked as an author and appeared in film and television productions, including roles listed in his filmography and biographical sources. He was credited as an actor and producer.

Death and legacy

Barger died on June 29, 2022, in Livermore, California, at age 83. Reports differ on the cause of death, with sources citing liver cancer or throat cancer. Obituaries described him as a defining figure in the image and mythology of the Hells Angels.