Edd ‘Kookie’ Byrnes: TV Teen Idol Passes Away at 87

Edd “Kookie” Byrnes was a beloved American actor, known for his iconic role as Kookie on the hit TV series “77 Sunset Strip”. Born on July 30, 1933, in New York City, Byrnes grew up in poverty and worked various odd jobs to help support his family. However, his passion for acting eventually led him to Hollywood, whee he landed his breakout role on “77 Sunset Strip” in 1958.

As Kookie, Byrnes became one of the first teen idols of television, thanks to his wavy hair and signature combing style. He quickly became a fan favorite for his cool, jive-talking persona and his catchy catchphrase, “Baby, you’re the ginchiest!”

The show, which followed the adventures of two private detectives working out of their office on the famous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, was a huge success and ran for six seasons. Byrnes’ character, Kookie, started out as a parking attendant but eventually became a full-fledged member of the detective team.

Despite his popularity, Byrnes struggled to break out of the Kookie persona after the show ended in 1964. He appeared in several other TV shows and movies over the years, but none of them quite captured the magic of his breakout role. However, Byrnes remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, and his fans continued to adore him for his charismatic personality and his contributions to pop culture.

Sadly, Edd Byrnes passed away on January 8, 2020, at the age of 87. He will be remembered as a talented actor, a television icon, and a true Hollywood legend. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans and in the countless hours of entertainment he provided over the years. Rest in peace, Kookie. You will be missed.

What Became of Ed Kookie Burns?

Ed “Kookie” Byrnes, the actor who gained popularity as an early TV teen idol on 77 Sunset Strip, died on Thursday at his Santa Monica home due to natural causes. He was 87 years old. His son, Logan Byrnes, a TV news anchor in San Diego, confirmed the news of his father’s death. Byrnes was known for his wavy hair and his habit of combing it, which became his signature style.

ed kookie burns
Source: deadline.com

Who Performed the Song ‘Kookie Kookie Lend Me Your Comb’?

The actor who played Kookie on the hit TV series “77 Sunset Strip” and sang the hit song “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb” was Edd Byrnes. Byrnes became a teen idol in the late 1950s and early 1960s thanks to his portrayal of the jive-talking, hair-combing character on the show. Despite his success on the series, Byrnes struggled to shake off the Kookie persona in his later career, and often found himself typecast as a result. Nevertheless, his performance on “77 Sunset Strip” and his catchy hit song remain memorable parts of television and music history.

The Iconic Role of Kookie in the 1950s

Kookie was a character played by Edd Byrnes in the 1950s and 1960s ABC detective series called 77 Sunset Strip. Kookie was the ultra-hip, wisecracking parking attendant who worked at the show’s main location, a private detective agency located at 77 Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Kookie’s signature look included a pompadour hairstyle, a combed-back style popular among young men in the 1950s, and he often spoke in a unique jargon that included phrases like “baby” and “dig.” Despite being a minor character, Kookie quickly became a fan favorite and helped catapult Edd Byrnes to fame during his time on the show.

The Character Cookie in Television Shows

The show that features a character named Cookie is Empire, which is an American musical drama that aired on Fox. The character, Loretha “Cookie” Lyon, is a central figure in the series and is portrayed by the actress Taraji P. Henson. Cookie Lyon is the ex-wife of the main character, Lucious Lyon, and is a strong and dynamic force in the music industry. Her character is known for her sharp wit, fierce determination, and her bold fashion sense. Throughout the show’s six seasons, Cookie’s storyline has been a major focus, and her character has become a fan favorite.

Kookie’s Car

Kookie, played by Edd Byrnes, drove a 1922 Ford T-bucket on the popular TV show 77 Sunset Strip. The T-bucket was a popular hot rod style in the 1950s and 1960s, featuring a stripped-down, open-body design with a large engine and oversized rear tires. The T-bucket used on the show was customized with a flame paint job and other unique features that helped make it a memorable part of Kookie’s character. Its appearance on the show helped to further popularize the T-bucket and cement its place in hot rod culture.

ed kookie burns
Source: usatoday.com

The Presence of Kookie in 77 Sunset Strip

There was a character named Kookie in the television series 77 Sunset Strip. Kookie, played by actor Edd Byrnes, was a parking lot attendant who eventually became a private investigator working with the show’s main characters, Stu Bailey (played by Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) and Jeff Spencer (played by Roger Smith). Kookie was known for his unique style, including his love for combing his hair and his famous catchphrase, “baby.” The character became a fan favorite and helped to make 77 Sunset Strip a popular show during its run from 1958 to 1964.

The Actor Who Portrayed Cookie on ‘Route 66’

The character Cookie on the television series Route 66 was played by actor Martin Milner. Martin Milner was an American actor born on December 28, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. He began his acting career in 1947 and went on to appear in numerous television shows and films throughout his career. Milner is best known for his roles in Route 66 and Adam-12. He was married to Judith Bess Jones in 1957, and they had four children together. Martin Milner passed away on September 6, 2015, at the age of 83.

Conclusion

Edd “Kookie” Byrnes was a talented actor and one of the frst teen idols in television history. His portrayal of the ultra-hip and wisecracking parking attendant Kookie on the hit series “77 Sunset Strip” made him a household name and earned him a legion of fans. Despite the fame and success he achieved, Byrnes struggled to escape the shadow of his iconic character and found it difficult to find work after the show ended. Nevertheless, his contribution to the world of entertainment will always be remembered, and he will forever be remembered as a beloved and influential figure in television history. Edd “Kookie” Byrnes will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.