Edd Byrnes was an American actor. He was famous for his role in the TV series ’77 Sunset Strip’ as ‘kookie’. He rose to fame because he resembled the actor Tab Hunter.
Let us dive into this article to learn about the life of Edd Byrnes.
| Profile Summary | |
|---|---|
| Name | Edd Byrnes |
| Birth Date | 30 July 1933 |
| Birth Place | New York City |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 87 Years Old (at the time of death) |
| Height | In Feet & Inches: 5ft 7in In Centimeter: 170cm In Meter: 1.7m |
| Weight | In Kilogram: 70kg In pounds: 154 lbs |
| Net Worth | $1.6 million |
| Education | Haaren High School |
| Profession | Actor |
| Parents | Father: Augustus Breitenberge Mother: Mary |
| Sibling | Vincent and Jo-Ann |
| Martial Status | Divorced (1962-1971) |
| Ex-Wife | Asa Maynor |
| Children | Son: Logan |
| Nationality | American |
Who is Edd Byrnes?
Edd Byrnes was an American actor who worked in the popular TV show ’77 Sunset Strip’, and played the role of ‘Kookie’. After playing this role, he became a household name.
What made him more popular was his resemblance to actor Tab Hunter, which indirectly and unknowingly led Edd Byrnes to get the role in the movie ‘Darby’s Rangers’.
He signed a long-term contract with Warner Bros. but later terminated the contract as he found himself not comfortable under the shed at Warner Bros.
Early Life of Edd Byrnes
Edd Byrnes was born on 30 July 1933. His childhood was tough, as his father died when he was very young. As per the source, the reason for his death was drug abuse.
His parents were Mary and Augustus Breitenberger and he had two siblings, Vincent and Jo-Ann.
Apart from this, nothing much is disclosed about his early life. He has not revealed anything in an interview about his childhood or early life.
Edd Byrnes Age
Edd Byrnes died at the age of 87 in 2020. He died of natural causes on January 8, 2020, at his Santa Monica home. His body was cremated after his death.
But few sources claim that he died, probably because of a stroke.
We will update you if we get confirmed details about the cause of his death.
Edd Byrnes Education
Edd Byrnes completed his primary and secondary education at Haaren High School. He did enroll in a university but dropped out later on. The reason is unclear.
Also, the name of the university is not disclosed on any social media platform.
Edd Byrnes Height and Weight
Edd Byrnes’s height was around 5 feet 7 inches which is equal to 170 centimeters or 1.7 meters.
He weighs 75 kg which is equivalent to 154 lbs.
Edd Byrnes Career
Edd Byrnes secured an unpaid position with the Litchfield Community Playhouse, a summer stock theater company located in Connecticut in 1956.
He quickly started acting in the company’s plays; he also made unsuccessful attempts to land parts in Broadway theater productions.
He was chosen to appear in a Crossroads TV episode that same year. Additionally, Byrnes made appearances in episodes of Navy Log and Wire Service in the late 1950s.
Byrnes relocated to Hollywood a year later. He had an appearance in the theater play Tea and Sympathy.
In addition, Byrnes made appearances in Telephone Time, The Adventures of Jim Bowie, and the 1957 movie Fear Strikes Out.
In 1957, Byrnes costarred with Sally Kellerman in the low-budget exploitation film Reform School Girl (1957) for American International Pictures, where he was third-billed.
In the same year, he played a minor role in Johnny Trouble (1957, Warner Bros.).
Edd Byrnes accepted a three-year deal with Clarion Pictures’ John Carroll in 1957.
Byrnes made unsuccessful casting attempts for the movies Until They Sail and Bernardine. Nevertheless, he appeared as a guest star in a Warner Bros.
Cheyenne’s episode and a modern article referred to him as “a Tab Hunter type.” In May 1957, the studio signed Byrnes to a long-term contract because they loved his work.
Edd Byrnes Social Media
Edd Byrnes was not available on any social media platform before his death. We tried to find his accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram but couldn’t find any handle that was handled by him or his PR team.
Many social handles are fan-made, his followers and fans have dedicated social media handles in his remembrance.
Edd Byrnes Wife
Edd Byrnes was married to Asa Maynor. The couple got married in 1962 and later got divorced in 1971.
The couple had one child. the reason for their divorce is not disclosed on any social media platform.
His son, Logan, was born September 13, 1965.
Edd Byrnes Net Worth
Edd Byrnes had a net worth of $1.6 million. He worked hard to achieve his goal and subsequently became a millionaire.
His major income came from the films and TV shows he did in the high peak of his career.
He also did some commercials in the early stage of his career which contributed to his net worth.
Facts about Edd Byrnes
- Edd Byrnes was born as Edward Byrne Breitenberger on July 30, 1932, in New York City, USA.
- He gained widespread recognition for his role as “Kookie” in the TV series “77 Sunset Strip” during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Byrnes popularized the catchphrase “Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb” through his character in “77 Sunset Strip.”
- Apart from acting, Byrnes had a brief singing career and achieved success with the song “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb,” a duet with Connie Stevens.
- Edd Byrnes had a memorable cameo in the film “Grease” as Vince Fontaine, the host of the National Bandstand dance contest.
- He began his acting career in the early 1950s and appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
- Byrnes successfully transitioned from his early typecast roles to more diverse and dramatic characters as his career progressed
- In addition to his acting career, Byrnes made guest appearances on several popular TV shows, including “Fantasy Island” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
Final Words
Edd Byrnes is still remembered for his iconic role as Kookie. He was considered one of the aces in the American TV industry. During his whole lifetime, he enjoyed a lavish and luxurious life.
Edd Byrnes left a lasting impact on popular culture, especially through his iconic role as Kookie, and was remembered as a versatile entertainer who contributed to both the music and acting industries.
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