The character of Stuart Bailey was presented as a solo private investigator, with no continuity or reference to his past years with Jeff Spencer, Suzanne, Kookie and Roscoe or to his military OSS background. Byrnes was best known as Kookie on the private detective series 77 Sunset Strip, which ran from ran from 1958 to 1964. For decades Smith guided Ann-Margrets career with great care. In the 1978 movie Grease, he played the character of Dick Clark. When looked for[by whom?] When it comes to talking about Handsome persons in the acting industry, Edd Byrness name often emerged. Jack Gilardi, who is the agent of Smith's widow,. The series and Bailey's personality took on a darker tone, and the familiar office, parking lot and Dino's Lodge were gone. His son is a television news anchor who works for KYSI-TV news in San Diego, California, since 2018. 273.3M . 77 Sunset Strip is an American television private detective drama series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Roger Smith, Richard Long (from 1960 to 1961) and Edd Byrnes (billed as Edward Byrnes). (AP) Actor Roger Smith, who brought glamour to the TV detective genre as a hip private eye on "77 Sunset Strip," has died. Byrnes was married from 1962-71 to actress Asa Maynor (she played the stewardess in the famous Twilight Zone episode Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, starring William Shatner). When he was 6, his parents enrolled him in a professional school in Hollywood where he learned singing and dancing. His first marriage, to Australian-born actress Victoria Shaw, ended in divorce. I have this great dream that when Ann-Margret gets out of movies, she and I will co-star in a Broadway play, he told New York magazine in 1976. The 60's hit TV series "77 Sunset Strip" and 1978's smash "Grease" actor, Edd Byrnes died at age 87 on Wednesday. , actress and philanthropist of aristocratic poise, dies at 93. He guided her toward Carnal Knowledge (1971), a drama directed by Mike Nichols, and the Whos rock opera Tommy (1975), directed by Ken Russell both of which brought her Oscar nominations and featured her in roles in which she was voluptuous and deeply vulnerable. Publicity Listings 77 Sunset Strip (TV Series 1958-1964) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb 77 Sunset Strip (TV Series 1958-1964) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Mr. Smith, a dynamic figure off-screen who enjoyed motorcycles and piloting aircraft and who also sang in fluent Spanish, never found a movie part that captured his personality. As Kookie, I was one of the first young fellows on television, one of the first that the young could identify with, he said in 1969. In some cases, "77" scripts were recycled and rewritten to fit the characters of each series. To her, a great love story doesnt end with death. Edd Byrnes, who played cool kid Kookie on the hit TV show "77 Sunset Strip," scored a gold record with a song about his character's hair-combing obsession and later appeared in the movie. Cagney, who was there making a film, suggested that Smith might try for a film career. It was the genesis of the same concepts that drive Law & Order, NCIS, CSI and the Chicago PD/Chicago Med/Chicago Fire series as well as 9-1-1. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1959. An early teen idol, Edd was known for '77 Sunset Strip' and the dance contest host, Vince Fontaine, in the 1978 film 'Grease'. Suzanne Fabry, the beautiful French switchboard operator played by Jacqueline Beer, handles the phones for Sunset Answering Service, in Suite 103. I always think that age is a natural progression, and Im ready for it, she recently said. Mr. Smith, who was unsuccessful in jump-starting a singing career at the peak of his 77 Sunset Strip fame, said he had a rude awakening when he tried to parlay his TV celebrity into high-level film work. 77 Sunset Strip is an American television private detective drama series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Roger Smith, Richard Long (from 1960 to 1961) and Edd Byrnes (billed as Edward Byrnes). Stay tuned! Kookie was also used to provide product placement for Harley-Davidson, appearing on their Topper motor scooter in the show and in Harley-Davidson advertisements.[3][4]. The song became the centerpiece of an album of the show's music in Warren Barker orchestrations, which was released in 1959, a top-10 hit in the Billboard LP charts. Their mother worked hard at various jobs to keep the family together because her alcoholic husband was often absent from the scene.When Edd was fifteen, his father was found dead in a basement. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Typically the two detectives would alternate as leads, with a Stuart Bailey case being featured one week and a Jeff Spencer case the nextalthough depending on the nature of the case, sometimes the two would team up.[2]. Edd Byrnes, a onetime teen heartthrob who parlayed his popularity as the hair-slicking hipster Kookie on the TV detective series "77 Sunset Strip" into a hit 1959 record, "Kookie, Kookie. He was 84. The character of detective Stuart Bailey was first used by writer Huggins in his 1946 . On 1/23/2005 he was ranked #5 in "TV Guide"'s list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols". 77 Sunset Strip is an hour-length American television private detective series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Roger Smith, and Edd Byrnes. He was stationed in Hawaii when he sang at a party where Cagney then filming Mister Roberts with Fonda was present. He also appeared in such films as Reform School Girl (1957), Darbys Rangers (1958), Marjorie Morningstar (1958), Life Begins at 17 (1958), Up Periscope (1959), Yellowstone Kelly (1959), Beach Ball (1965), Michael Apteds Stardust (1974) and Troop Beverly Hills (1989) and on TV shows including Cheyenne, Maverick, Honey West, Mannix, Police Woman, Charlies Angels, Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote. Jack Webb was brought in as executive producer and William Conrad as a producer/director. Viewers did not appreciate the numerous changes to the show, and it was canceled halfway through its sixth season in February 1964. Youre not dead when you reach a certain age, she explained. Established film and TV actors and older stars who guest-starred include Fay Wray, Francis X. Bushman, Rodolfo Hoyos Jr., Ida Lupino, Liliane Montevecchi, Keenan Wynn, Rolfe Sedan, Jim Backus, Billie Burke, Buddy Ebsen, George Jessel, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Burgess Meredith, Nick Adams, Gerald Mohr and Roy Roberts, among others. Edd Byrnes, an actor best known for his roles in 1978's "Grease" and the 1950s series "77 Sunset Strip," died Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica. In the 1978 John Travolta movie Grease, he played Vince Fontaine, the suave host of the National Bandstand TV dance show. U kunt uw keuzes te allen tijde wijzigen door te klikken op de links 'Privacydashboard' op onze sites en in onze apps. No number 77 exists on the Strip, as all Sunset Boulevard addresses in the area have four digits. Sheila O'Brien, Erin's sister, told The Hollywood Reporter. However, his parents information remains private, but he grew up with a brother Vincent and a sister, Jo-Ann. Then, he dropped his last name in favor of Byrnes based on the name of his grandfather, Edward Byrne. 77 Sunset Strip cast list, including photos of the actors when available. Smith served 2 years in the Navy Reserve, and in Hawaii he sang at social events. 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He managed to get a few minor parts in films and then won a role in a new TV series, 77 Sunset Strip (1958), which premiered in September 1958. Edd Byrnes, who played cool kid Kookie on the hit TV show 77 Sunset Strip, scored a gold record with a song about his characters hair-combing obsession and later appeared in the movie Grease, has died. She broke her sex kitten stereotype in dramatic fashion in 1971 when she appeared in Mike Nichols Carnal Knowledge as the abused mistress of Jack Nicholson. But, Edd gained into the limelight by playing the role of Kookie in the hit TV series, 77 Sunset Strip. The show ran from 1958 to 1964. The show lingered for only one more year. I can't even imagine the day I finally send it into the sunset. 77 Sunset Strip debuted in 1958 with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as his partner in a Hollywood detective agency. Viewers quoted his dialog, ("Baby, you're the ginchiest! Byrnes landed a number of minor parts, then was cast as a killer who compulsively combed his hair in Girl on the Run (1958), which effectively served as the pilot for 77 Sunset Strip. In 1982, he succeeded in going "clean and sober" but never remarried. Smith had battled the nerve disease myasthenia gravis for many years. Critics praised her performance and she was nominated for an Oscar for supporting actress. He was of one-quarter German and three-quarters Irish descent. Byrnes, who years later played the smooth-talking Vince Fontaine, a Dick Clark-like dance contest host, in Grease (1978), diedunexpectedly Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Santa Monica,his son, San Diego TV news anchor Logan Byrnes, said on Twitter. Producers, directors, writers and aspiring . Chris Brown, during his peak, was the most talented name in R&B. The cases of Hollywood private eyes, whose offices were located at 77 Sunset Strip. They divorced in 1965. Her stepdaughter Tracey and stepsons Jordan and Dallas all adore her, the source said. Mr. Smith, who had given up performing to manage his wifes career, had been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes extreme weakness. The actor was such a hit, producers decided to keep him around as another character, Gerald Lloyd Kookson III. However, Byrnes chafed under a contract that cost him the chance of several roles in movies such as Oceans Eleven. He walked off the show in the second season, demanding a bigger part and better pay, and he didnt return until 1960, when Kookie had become a partner in the detective agency. Played Alma Bogart in "77 Sunset Strip" in 1958. 77 Sunset Strip had been created by producer-writer Roy Huggins, who also created Maverick, and it spawned a host of spinoffs and knockoffs, including Hawaiian Eye, Surfside 6 and Bourbon Street Beat., Smith told the Los Angeles Times that the series aimed to show that private investigators were well-trained, serious men, and not the movie and TV stereotype with dangling cigarettes and large chips on their shoulders. He was chosen for the part because I dont look like a detective., But the show had its glamorous side, too. The 1950s show was filmed entirely on the Warner Brothers lot, but the opening 30-second sequence was filmed in front of Dino's Lodge, located at 8524 Sunset Boulevard. The comptroller of the province himself bandaged the sorcerer's eyes, and led him by the hand from place to place. Kookie became a full-fledged detective and partner in the firm as of Season 4, taking over Rex Randolph's office in 104. 77 the man of feeling 87 the misfortune of poetry 99 the acutest ear in paris 109 joyce in bloom 123 the immortal 131 americana it happened on sunset 143 the ballad of route 66 155 the adventures of augie march 179 rebel ghosts 191 america's poet? Joan Staley. Comic relief is provided by Roscoe the racetrack tout (played by Louis Quinn), who frequently hangs around the offices giving horse-racing tips. Edd Byrnes, who became famous acting in movies like "Grease" and iconic TV shows like "77 Sunset Strip" is dead. With his attractive personality, he had made Asa Maynor fell in love with him. He was married to actress Asa Maynor from 1962 to 1971. Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb), a novelty record he recorded with Connie Stevens, sold more than 1 million copies and rose to No. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. As of 2017, the syndication package aired on Me-TV contained every original episode. After 77 Sunset Strip ended its six-season-run in 1963, Byrnes moved to Europe to star in a string of spaghetti Westerns and spy thrillers. The fact is, the girl just loves to work.. The marriage ended in divorce. Even though he has dealt with a lot of personal issues, Chris Brown has still made history. Ive often said that I got bored with acting, and I guess I did, but the other thing was that I was very lonely, Mr. Smith said. Mr. Smiths marriage to Ann-Margret proved one of Hollywoods most enduring and poignant unions. The show made Byrnes a teen idol who at the height of his popularity received 15,000 fan letters a week. The show ran from 1958 to 1964. Edd and Asa's marriage ended in divorce in 1971, partially due to his substance abuse. Ed raps: 'Yo Jam, this is a letter to you. He cared for her during her addictions to pills and alcohol as well as her recovery from an accident in 1972 when she fell 22 feet off an elevated platform onstage and required extensive reconstructive surgery to her face. [citation needed] Some of the detectives, played by the same actors, became regulars in other series after their original series had been cancelled. During the 1960s, Sue Randall guest-starred in a number of other popular television series such as Sea Hunt (1961), Pete and Gladys (1962), Dr. Kildare . 2:00. He was known for his hipster lingo, including the catch phrase Baby, youre the ginchiest!. Here, at last, is the picture to name when someone asks you to recommend a good bad movie. . Edd Byrnes, star of the 1950s and '60s TV hit "77 Sunset Strip" who went on to co-star in the 1978 smash "Grease," has died, the actor's son, Logan Byrnes, confirmed Thursday via Facebook. As the season progressed, there were some shifts in tone. Despite the disease, Smith continued working when he was able as the effects of the disease varied over time. Im going to be the best 85-year-old I can be.. colonel frank o'sullivan interview; beverly hills high school football The firm's most frequently seen police contact is Lt. Roy Gilmore (Byron Keith), who is almost never called by his first name. He appeared in dozens of movies and on episodes of several TV shows, including Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote. In 1975, Byrnes was hired to host a new game show called Wheel of Fortune and filmed two pilots, but the job eventually went to Chuck Woolery. Overview: After discovering that Rex Randolph is still alive, the Sunset Strip team head for the Latin-American country where they believe he is being held. For the newspaper column character Dr. He elicited shrieks of delight from young female fans everywhere and parlayed that teen-idol fame into a gold record, Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb.. Byrnes worked a variety of jobs, but he yearned for an acting career. Edit Details Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a courteous and useful public environment! "Roger had tremendous . The show, which lasted a season, was about a Navy officer on a World War II cargo ship who must contend with a vicious captain and a crew of miscreants. 1959 Warner Records Inc., manufactured and marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company. The casts and scripts of these various shows sometimes crossed over, which was logistically easy, since they were all shot in Burbank on the Warner Bros. His final roles were Shake, Rattle, and Roll: An American Love Story in 1999. 77 Sunset Strip is an hour-length American television private detective series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Roger Smith, and Edd Byrnes. Still, Bacharach's score and the songs he did with David were a highlight, especially "The Look of Love" performed by Dusty Springfield. "I knew he would protect me," she told Closer Weekly of Smith, adding that she knew she would marry him after their third date. Edd shared an impoverished and unhappy childhood with brother Vincent and sister Jo-Ann. [5] In the 1964 summer reruns period, shows from the Bailey and Spencer years were shown, and the Season 6 episodes were abandoned, rarely seen until September 2017 on MeTV. When Smiths Navy service ended, he signed a contract with Columbia Pictures. She is a doting grandmother to all their kids. He had been a radio actor in childhood and a high school gridiron star, and his athletic good looks and a chance encounter with movie star James Cagney smoothed his way to a Hollywood contract. She could quit working tomorrow and wed have enough money to live on for the rest of our lives, Smith told Reed in late 1972 as she recovered from her injuries. She later cared for Mr. Smith as his myasthenia gravis worsened. Edward Byrne Breitenberger (July 30, 1932 - January 8, 2020), known professionally as Edd Byrnes, was an American actor, best known for his starring role in the television series 77 Sunset Strip. The catchy theme song, written by Mack David and Jerry Livingston, typified the show's breezy, jazzed atmosphere. The character of detective Stuart Bailey was first used by writer Huggins in the 1948 film I Love Trouble. His pre-Fonzie, cool-guy persona soon caught on like wildfire. LOS ANGELES Actor Roger Smith, who brought glamour to the TV detective genre as a hip private eye on "77 Sunset Strip," has died. This list includes all of the 77 Sunset Strip main actors and actresses, so if they. 77 Sunset Strip was canceled after 20 episodes, in an era when a full season would likely have been 36 episodes. 77 SUNSET STRIP 1958 Cast THEN AND NOW 2022 Thanks For The Memories 77 Sunset Strip is an American television private detective drama series created by Ro Show more Show more How JACK. On 77 Sunset Strip, Kookie parked cars at Dino's Lodge, a Hollywood nightclub that was owned by Dean Martin and served as a backdrop on the show. For his work on the show, TV Guideranked Byrnes fifth on their list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols. LEGAL INNOVATION | Tu Agente Digitalizador; LEGAL3 | Gestin Definitiva de Despachos; LEGAL GOV | Gestin Avanzada Sector Pblico According to Logan, his father died due to natural causes at his Santa Monica home. Gerald `Kookie' Lloyd Kookson III 44 Episodes 2022. It is with profound sadness and grief that I share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes. Eventually, he was featured in an episode of the Crossroads TV program and then in the Wire Service and Navy Log. Also a good idea to release Hawaian Eye, starring Robert Conrad and Connie Stevens; and Surfside Six, starring Troy Donahue and the Green Hornet himself, Van Williams!!!! | I couldnt exist without a strong man.. The hip-talking, hair-combing image clung to him, however, and Edd felt he lost the lead in PT 109 (1963) because President John F. Kennedy didn't want to be played by "Kookie". In a March 1960 story on the incident, Look magazine blamed medical mistakes for the delay in diagnosis and quoted a doctor as saying, This boy came too close to being buried needlessly.. One of the series' more unusual episodes was 1960's "The Silent Caper," written by Smith. His character of Rex Randolph from Bourbon Street Beat was said to have left New Orleans and relocated to North Hollywood, joining Bailey and Spencer's firm and taking Office 104. I. M. Kookie, see, The controversial sixth season, 19631964, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 23:02, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "A.B.C.-TV TO DROP '77 SUNSET STRIP' / Also Discontinuing 3 Other Series Before April", "Timothy Olyphant: 'Justified' In Laying Down The Law", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=77_Sunset_Strip&oldid=1141613145, Friday at 9:3010:30pm on ABC: October 10, 1958 May 29, 1959; October 12, 1962 June 14, 1963, Friday at 7:308:30 pm on ABC: September 20, 1963 February 7, 1964, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 23:02. Actors Roger Smith, left, Carolyn Komant and Efrem Zimbalist Jr. tune up for their parts in the TV series "77 Sunset Strip," in 1961. The show's breakout character, who had not been included in the pilot film, was Gerald Lloyd "Kookie" Kookson III (Edd Byrnes), the rock and roll-loving, wisecracking, hair-combing hipster and aspiring PI who initially works as the valet parking attendant at Dino's, the club next to the detectives' office. Impressed, the veteran star urged Mr. Smith to go into the movies. Edd "Kookie" Byrnes, the 77 Sunset Strip actor whose wavy hair and penchant for combing it made him an early TV teen idol, died Thursday of natural causes at his Santa Monica home, acco He was 87. He made the calculation that Ann-Margret had greater raw talent than he ever did, and he happily took the back seat. Dammit now I'm going to cry - I still have my first car (the first that's not my parents'), a 2001 Volvo, and I'm already way too attached to it. | In 1975, Byrnes was hired to host Wheel of Fortune, then a new game show,and filmed two pilots, but the job eventually went to Chuck Woolery. But he said he knew well the demands of show business life, and that there was only room for one star in the family. Being a famous actor is not nearly as satisfying as people think. Read more 58 people found this helpful Top critical review All critical reviews Mr. John Atkinson Pirate DVDs 77 Sunset strip BEWARE! The actor's son, San Diego evening news anchorLogan Byrnes, shared the newson Twitter Thursday.