Date of Birth: July 30, 1932
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: January 8, 2020
Biography
Edd Byrnes was an American actor best known for his role as Kookie on the hit TV series “77 Sunset Strip.” Born Edward Byrne Breitenberger, he began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity due to his charismatic screen presence and distinctive style. Byrnes’ role as Kookie, a hip, wise-cracking parking attendant who moonlighted as a private detective, made him a teen idol and cultural icon. The character’s unique slang and iconic combing of his hair became a nationwide trend. In addition to “77 Sunset Strip,” Byrnes appeared in numerous other films and television shows, including “Grease,” where he played the suave TV host Vince Fontaine. His career spanned several decades, during which he left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
5 Interesting Facts about Edd Byrnes
1. Edd Byrnes’ role as Kookie on “77 Sunset Strip” led to the hit novelty song “Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb),” which he performed with Connie Stevens.
2. Before becoming an actor, Byrnes worked in a variety of jobs, including as a taxi driver and a photographer’s model.
3. Byrnes was initially considered for the role of Johnny Fontaine in “The Godfather,” which eventually went to another actor.
4. He struggled with addiction issues during his career but eventually overcame them and became an advocate for sobriety.
5. Edd Byrnes authored an autobiography titled “Kookie No More,” where he detailed his journey through Hollywood and his personal struggles.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edd Byrnes
1. “I discovered that acting was something I could really sink my teeth into, and I wanted more.”
2. “The fame from ’77 Sunset Strip’ was a double-edged sword. It was wonderful and horrible at the same time.”
3. “Kookie was a character that I created from bits and pieces of people I knew and things I observed.”
4. “Overcoming my addictions was the toughest role I ever had to play.”
5. “Hollywood is a tough town, but it’s also a place where dreams can come true.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Edd Byrnes’ net worth was estimated to be around $4 million.
Children
Edd Byrnes had one child, a son named Logan Byrnes, who is a television news anchor.
Relevant Links
1. [Edd Byrnes IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0126315/
2. [Edd Byrnes Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edd_Byrnes
