Flynn, Errol (1909-1959), was an Australian-born motion-picture star who became famous for his roles as a handsome and dashing hero in adventure films. Flynn also led a colorful personal life that made him one of the most talked-about personalities in Hollywood. He was especially known for his stormy relations with women.
Flynn was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia. He led an adventurous early life that included periods as a gold prospector and a tobacco plantation manager in New Guinea. He made his film debut in a documentary in 1933. After acting in England for a short time, Flynn settled in Hollywood in 1935 and became an immediate star in his first film, the swashbuckling sea story Captain Blood (1935). The movie portrayed Flynn in a typical role as a fearless fighter against injustice.
Flynn made most of his successful films between 1935 and 1945. They included war dramas, Westerns, and historical epics. These films included The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), The Dawn Patrol (1938), Dodge City (1939), The Sea Hawk (1940), They Died with Their Boots On (1941), Gentleman Jim (1942), and Objective Burma (1945). Flynn became a United States citizen in 1942.
Flynn’s career declined in the late 1940’s, partly due to his abuse of alcohol and drugs. He tried to revive his career in England. He made several films there, but all were unsuccessful. Near the end of his life he made a few praised films, notably The Sun Also Rises (1957) and Too Much Too Soon (1958). He played alcoholics in both films.
Flynn wrote two autobiographies. Beam Ends (1937) describes a seven-month sea voyage he took. My Wicked, Wicked Ways was published in 1959, shortly after his death from a heart attack. He also wrote a novel, Showdown (1952).
