A wildly-successful television and movie star from the 1950s and 60s has passed away at the age of 87.
Known for his role in one of the largest movies of all time, Grease, and his portrayal of Kookie in ABC’s 77 Sunset Strip crime drama, Edd Byrnes truly made his mark on American audiences.
According to Byrnes’ son, Logan Byrnes, his dad died unexpectedly at his home in Santa Monica.
“It is with profound sadness and grief that I share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes. He was an amazing man and one of my best friends.” Logan wrote in a tweet alongside a press release.
It is with profound sadness and grief that I share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes. He was an amazing man and one of my best friends. Please see the press release attached. @extratv @enews @AP @CNN @cnbc @MSNBC @foxnewsdesk @FOXLA @KTLA @latimes @KUSINews pic.twitter.com/d7jgJ8ohMq
— Logan Byrnes (@LoganByrnes) January 9, 2020
The press release states that while Edd Byrnes “died unexpectedly” on January 8th, 2020, that he passed from “natural causes at the age of 87.”
“His is the story of an ambitious young kid who in his early 20’s, drove out to Hollywood from New York City with a few hundred dollars and a dream of making it big in the entertainment business,” the press release stated.
Byrnes played Fontaine in 1978’s epic movie-musical Grease. Fontaine was a local radio announcer who hosted the National Bandstand at Rydell High School.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Byrnes family during this very difficult time.