Errol Flynn

Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn (20 June 1909 – 14 October 1959) was an Australian-born actor known for his swashbuckling roles in Hollywood films during the Golden Age of cinema. Flynn's career and persona made him a notable figure in popular culture, and he is often remembered for his charismatic screen presence and adventurous lifestyle.

Early Life

Flynn was born in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, to Theodore Thomson Flynn, a biology professor, and Lily Mary Flynn (née Young). He attended various schools, including Sydney Church of England Grammar School, but struggled academically and was expelled for fighting and theft. Flynn briefly worked at various jobs, including as a seaman and gold prospector, before moving to the United Kingdom to pursue acting.

Flynn was thrice married. His first marriage was to Lili Damita from 1935-1942, with one son, Sean Flynn. His second marriage was to Nora Eddington from 1943-1949, with two daughters, Deidre and Rory. His third marriage was to Patrice Wymore from 1950 through his death in 1959.

His only son Sean disappeared while reporting on the Vietnam War in 1970. It is widely assumed he was killed by the Khmer Rouge Communists. Sean's mother spent 10 years financing searches for her son that were unsuccessful, and he was declared dead in 1984.

Film Career

Flynn's break came when he was cast in In the Wake of the Bounty (1933), a semi-documentary about the Mutiny on the Bounty. His performance caught the attention of Warner Bros., which signed him to a contract in Hollywood. Flynn became a major star with his role as Captain Blood in the 1935 film of the same name.

He continued to gain fame with notable films such as:

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) – Flynn's portrayal of the legendary outlaw remains iconic.
The Sea Hawk (1940) – A lavish maritime adventure.
They Died with Their Boots On (1941) – Flynn played George Armstrong Custer in this biographical Western.
Objective, Burma! (1945) – A war film that was controversial due to its historical inaccuracies.

Flynn was known for his athleticism and performed many of his own stunts. His on-screen image as a daring and charismatic hero contrasted with his off-screen reputation as a hard-drinking, womanizing adventurer.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Flynn's personal life was marred by scandals, including accusations of statutory rape in 1942. Although he was acquitted, the trial severely impacted his reputation. His autobiography, My Wicked, Wicked Ways, published posthumously in 1959, candidly revealed many details of his tumultuous lifestyle, including his struggles with alcohol and his multiple relationships.

Later Years and Death

In the 1950s, Flynn's career declined due to his declining health and ongoing legal troubles. He took on less prestigious roles and appeared in fewer films. Flynn's last notable appearance was in The Sun Also Rises (1957), based on the novel by Ernest Hemingway.

Flynn died of a heart attack on 14 October 1959 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at the age of 50. His legacy endures as one of Hollywood's quintessential swashbucklers, with a cult following that celebrates his adventurous spirit and cinematic contributions.

Legacy

Flynn's influence extends beyond his filmography. He inspired the archetype of the cinematic swashbuckler and remains a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age. His life story has been the subject of various biographies, documentaries, and films, reflecting his enduring appeal and complex persona.

Selected Filmography

References

Behlmer, Rudy, ed. Inside Warner Bros. (1935-1951). New York: Viking Press, 1985. ISBN 978-0670805941.
Thomas, Tony. Errol Flynn: The Spy Who Never Was. Secaucus, NJ: Citadel Press, 1978. ISBN 978-0806506207.
Higham, Charles. Errol Flynn: The Untold Story. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1980. ISBN 978-0385145801.
Flynn, Errol. My Wicked, Wicked Ways. New York: Cooper Square Press, 2003 [1959]. ISBN 978-0815412502.

External Links