Errol Flynn: The Biography of a Hollywood Legend

Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn was born on June 20th 1909.He was an Australian-born film actor who was most known for his romantic swashbuckling roles in Hollywood films and for his extrovert lifestyle.

In 1933, Flynn starred in the Australian-made film In The Wake Of The Bounty directed by Charles Chauvel. In the same year, Flynn came to Britain and got an acting job with Northampton Repertory Company where he worked for six months. It has also been said that Flynn performed at the 1934 Malvern Festival as well as in Glasgow and in London’s West End.

He was discovered by Warner Bros, signed a contract and was shipped to America. In 1942, Flynn became a naturalized citizen of the United States and was an overnight sensation with his first major starring role Captain Blood. He continued to make a host of films including The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Dawn Patrol, Dodge City, The Sea Hawk and Adventures of Don Juan.

Flynn was somewhat of a ladies man but not all the ladies were fond of him. During the shooting of The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex in 1939, Flynn and his co-star Bette Davis would have legendary off-screen fights, with Davis striking him harder than necessary while filming a scene. The duo’s differences were, eventually, reconciled.

A contract was presented to loan them out as Rhett and Scarlett in Gone with the Wind, but the teaming failed to materialize. Davis claimed she turned down the role, refusing to work with Flynn but researchers revealed she was never really considered for the role.

The 1950’s saw Flynn abusing drugs and alcohol more than ever before. He had become bloated and prematurely aged. On October 9th 1959 Flynn flew to Vancouver to sell his yacht to millionaire George Caldough. On October 14th George was driving Flynn to the airport when Flynn complained of feeling ill. He was taken to the apartment of Grant Gould where, after a party (of course), Flynn retired to a bedroom to rest. When a friend went in to check on him, he discovered Flynn unconscious, due to suffering a massive heart attack.

Errol Flynn still remains one of the most iconic men in Hollywood. What are your thoughts on him?

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