Edd Byrnes was an American actor who is best known for his role as “Kookie” in the television series 77 Sunset Strip, as well as appearances in Grease and several other films and TV shows.
Personal and Family Life
Edd Byrnes was born Edward Byrne Breitenberger on July 30, 1932, in New York City, to Mary and Augustus Breitenberger. He had a difficult childhood and changed his last name to Byrnes after his father’s passing when he was just 15. Edd found solace in movies and the gym, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in acting.
Career
Byrnes gained popularity in the late 1950s with his role in 77 Sunset Strip, where he captured the audience’s attention with his unique catchphrases and hairstyle. Although he experienced immense fame, personal struggles led to a decline in his career by the age of 30. He managed to overcome his substance abuse issues in the 1980s and focused on his health and well-being.
Death and Legacy
Edd Byrnes passed away on January 8, 2020, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 87 due to natural causes. He is remembered as a significant figure in American pop culture, particularly for his role during the era of teen idols.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Grease | 1978-07-07 | Vince Fontaine |
| Vado… l’ammazzo e torno | 1967-09-26 | Clayton |
| Marjorie Morningstar | 1958-04-24 | Sandy Lamm |
| The Secret Invasion | 1964-09-16 | Simon Fell |
| Reform School Girl | 1957-08-01 | Vince |
| Darby’s Rangers | 1958-02-12 | Arnold Dittman |
| Yellowstone Kelly | 1959-11-11 | Anse Harper |
| Beach Ball | 1965-09-29 | Dick |
| Up Periscope | 1959-03-04 | Pharmacist Mate Ash |
| Wicked, Wicked | 1973-06-13 | Henry Peter ‘Hank’ Lassiter |
| Mankillers | 1987-11-03 | Jack Marra |
| Fear Strikes Out | 1957-03-20 | Boy in Car (uncredited) |
| 77 Sunset Strip | 1958-10-10 | Gerald Lloyd “Kookie” Kookson III |