Skip to main content
Tags: edd bynes | grease star | actor | logan byrnes

'Grease' and '77 Sunset Strip' Star Dead

Edd Byrnes is shown.
Edd Byrnes (AP)

By    |   Friday, 10 January 2020 10:52 AM EST

Edd Byrnes, best known for his roles in "Grease" and "77 Sunset Strip," died from natural causes at his home in California at age 87.

His son Logan Byrnes confirmed the news Thursday in a Facebook post.

"It is with profound sadness and grief to share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes," he said.

Edd shot to fame after landing the role of private detective in the ABC drama "77 Sunset Strip," which ran from 1958 to 1964. He also appeared in "Grease" as Vince Fontaine, who hosted the National Bandstand dance in the 1978 film, TMZ reported.

At the height of his career, Edd was receiving up to 15,000 letters a week from fans and was dominating both TV and radio after releasing a hit single with Connie Stevens that hit the charts, according to IMDB.

Edd's career was forged from humble beginnings.

"His is the story of an ambitious young kid who, in his 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," Logan wrote in his post.

Edd came from a broken home. His father was reportedly an absent alcoholic and his mother worked various jobs to keep them afloat, IMDB noted.

Edd was 15 when he found his father dead in their basement. He decided to pursue an acting career and after dabbling in a few bit parts he made the move to California in 1955, where he finally got his lucky break.

Seven years later he married long-term girlfriend Asa Maynor and in 1956 they welcomed Logan into the world. In 1971 the couple decided to split and Edd never remarried.

Related Stories

Zoe Papadakis

Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


TheWire
Edd Byrnes, best known for his roles in "Grease" and "77 Sunset Strip," died from natural causes at his home in California at age 87.
edd bynes, grease star, actor, logan byrnes
305
2020-52-10
Friday, 10 January 2020 10:52 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved