Actor Edd Byrnes had died of natural causes at the age of 87.
Byrnes’ son, Logan, confirmed the news on Twitter, revealing his father passed away Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica.
‘It is with profound sadness and grief that I share with you the passing of my father Eddy,’ Logan wrote. ‘He was an amazing man and one of my best friends.’
Eddy Byrnes was best known for his role on the private-detective series 77 Sunset Strip, which aired on ABC from 1958 to 1964.
He also made a memorable appearance in the 178 smash, Grease where he played the role of Vince Fontaine, the host of the National Bandstand dance contest.
77 Sunset Strip star Edd Byrnes died at 87 on Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Santa Monica. He is pictured in 2011
Byrnes was best known for his role on the private-detective series 77 Sunset Strip, which aired on ABC from 1958 to 1964. He is pictured on the set of the show in 1959
Byrnes, born Edward Byrne Breitenberger in New York City, came from a poor family. His alcoholic father died when he was 13
He started out working a variety of jobs, before he became employed as a photographer´s model at the age of 17.
In his 1996 autobiography, Kookie No More, Byrnes wrote that he was soon drawn into male hustling with wealthy older men that introduced him to a ‘strange world’ of ‘art, wealth, sadism, limousines, sex for money, theater and fine restaurants’.
Byrnes moved to Los Angeles at the age of 23, and soon scored a role in 77 Sunset Strip – a part which would change his life forever.
The actor was cast as Kookie, a parking valet with a penchant for obsessively combing his hair.
Byrnes (second from left) became the breakout star of 77 Sunset Strip. He is pictured in a 159 episode of the program with co-stars (from right) Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Roger Smith and Louis Quinn
Byrnes became a teen idol, and he received 15,000 fan letters a week at the height of his popularity. He is pictured in 1960
While he initially had a small part in the series, Byrnes became the breakout star as his character was soon moved into a leading role.
77 Sunset Strip transformed Byrnes into a teen idol, and he received 15,000 fan letters a week at the height of his popularity.
In 1959, he recorded a duet with Connie Stevens inspired which inspired by his famous character.
The track, Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb), hit Billboard’s number four spot in a 13-week run on the chart. It went gold.
77 Sunset Strip, which aired on ABC from 1958 to 1964, made young Byrnes a household name
In the 1978 film – which he appeared in at the age of 45 – Byrnes’ character Vince Fontaine achieved an impressive feat with a front handspring during a dance sequence with John Travolta and the cast.
He also caught a microphone and continued performing, all in a snug-fitting suit.
Showman: In the 1978 film – which Byrnes appeared in at the age of 45 – Byrnes’ character Vince Fontaine achieved an impressive feat with a front handspring during a dance sequence with John Travolta and the cast
Focused: Following his turn as Fontaine in 1978’s Grease, he went onto appear on TV shows including The Love Boat, CHiPs, Charlie’s Angels and Fantasy Island
Byrnes went on to appear on 1960s TV hits including The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and Mannix, and 1970s shows such as Adam-12 and Love, American Style.
Following his turn as Fontaine in 1978’s Grease, he went onto appear on TV shows including The Love Boat, CHiPs, Charlie’s Angels, Mr. Belvedere, Fantasy Island and Married… with Children.
He is survived by son Logan and partner Cathrine Gross.