Biography (Page 2)

Known as his "pinnacle years," Flynn claimed absolute stardom between 1936 and 1942. His continuous roles as the noble, brave and handsome hero created a similar personal image for Flynn. Six of his best pictures, including The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Dawn Patrol, The Sea Hawk, They Died With Their Boots On and Gentleman Jim, were filmed in this time. When World War II began, Flynn watched as thousands of troops were being sent overseas. He wanted to serve in the war but was dismissed because of health problems. Instead, he participated in U.S.O. tours for the troops in Europe with several of his Hollywood friends.

He and Lili divorced in 1942, and within a year there was a new Mrs. Flynn. He married Nora Eddington and the couple had two daughters, Diedre and Rory, during their six-year marriage. Over the next 10 years, Flynn acted in several films. One of the box office hits was The Adventures of Don Juan. Flynn's handsome face and romancing reputation helped him to create the perfect Don Juan. Aside from their love affair with the leading man, audiences loved the film's creative set and action sequences.

The 1950s were not as productive for Hollywood as the past years had been, and many actors' careers began to fade. Flynn met his third wife, Patrice Wymore, while filming Rocky Mountain in New Mexico. Flynn left Hollywood in 1952, settling on the yacht Zaca as home base for six years in Palma de Mallorca with Patrice and their young daughter Arnella. When Warner Brothers released the documentary film about Flynn's voyage from Mexico to the South Seas in 1952, it reflected a lesser-known Flynn. He loved the water and found the most comfort there, as it reminded him of his home and his family.

Errol Flynn suffered a heart attack and died on October 14, 1959. Flynn was put to rest in Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, California. Many Hollywood celebrities attended to say their last goodbyes to a dear friend. Flynn led a full and interesting life, possessing a love for acting, the ocean and also writing. He wrote books like Beam Ends (1937), Showdown (1946), and his autobiography, My Wicked, Wicked Ways. He also co-authored several screenplays throughout his years in Hollywood. He is remembered as one of Hollywood's legendary figures, having starred in over 60 movies during his short 50 years of life.

In 1997, Flynn was named one of Entertainment Weekly magazine's "100 Greatest Stars of All Time."
To read the Entertainment Weekly article, click here.

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