Errol Flynn: A Biography
Early Life and Background
Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn was born on June 20, 1909, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. His father, Theodore Flynn, was a respected marine biologist, and his mother, Lily Mary Young, was of Irish descent. Flynn was an adventurous and rebellious child, often getting into trouble at school. He attended various institutions, including Sydney Church of England Grammar School, but was eventually expelled.
Early Adventures and Path to Hollywood
Before entering acting, Flynn lived an adventurous life. He worked as a gold prospector, a fisherman, and even a plantation overseer in Papua New Guinea. His real-life exploits—filled with danger, romance, and scandal—later fueled his swashbuckling screen persona.
Flynn’s acting career began in England, where he appeared in small stage productions and his first film, In the Wake of the Bounty (1933). His rugged good looks and natural charisma caught Hollywood’s attention, and he soon signed a contract with Warner Bros.
Hollywood Stardom (1935–1940s)
Flynn quickly became one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and 1940s, known for his roles in swashbuckling adventure films, often playing charming and fearless heroes. Some of his most famous films include:
- Captain Blood (1935) – His breakthrough role as a wrongfully accused doctor-turned-pirate, launching his status as a leading man.
- The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) – One of his most famous films, portraying Robin Hood in a classic, action-packed performance.
- The Sea Hawk (1940) – A thrilling pirate adventure solidifying his reputation as Hollywood’s ultimate swashbuckler.
- They Died with Their Boots On (1941) – A historical epic in which he played General George Custer.
During this time, Flynn was often paired with actress Olivia de Havilland, and their on-screen chemistry made them one of Hollywood’s most beloved duos.
Personal Life and Scandals
Flynn was known for his wild lifestyle, filled with drinking, partying, and womanizing. His reputation as a Hollywood playboy was solidified when he faced a highly publicized statutory rape trial in 1942. Though he was acquitted, the scandal damaged his image, leading to the phrase “In like Flynn,” referring to his supposed ease in romantic conquests.
He was married three times and had four children, including his son Sean Flynn, who later became a war correspondent and went missing in Cambodia during the Vietnam War.
Career Decline and Later Years (1950s–1960s)
As he aged, Flynn’s excessive lifestyle took a toll on his health and career. His films in the 1950s were less successful, and he struggled with alcoholism. However, he gave a critically acclaimed performance in The Sun Also Rises (1957) and played a self-parodying version of himself in Too Much, Too Soon (1958).
He spent his later years traveling, writing his autobiography My Wicked, Wicked Ways (published posthumously in 1959), and engaging in various business ventures.
Death and Legacy
Errol Flynn died of a heart attack on October 14, 1959, at the age of 50, in Vancouver, Canada. Years of heavy drinking and reckless living had taken a severe toll on his body.
Despite his turbulent personal life, Flynn remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars. His charismatic performances, especially in adventure films, continue to influence modern action heroes. His name is still synonymous with charm, daring, and swashbuckling adventure.
