Brandon Tynan (11 Apr 1875-19 March 1967) Actor. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he was a distinguished Broadway stage actor .
He was one of the most distinguished tragedians of the early 1900s but he also wrote seven Broadway plays that were all produced, one when he was just 19. He was a leading man opposite Alla Nazimova (some say they were romantic partners). He was said to have played more Ibsen roles that anyone on the English-language stage.
In 1897 he met David Belasco when the producer was an instructor at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Tynan never paid his $10 dues, even though he was the honor student of 1897. When Belasco gave him his diploma, Tynan promised to pay his fees, which he never did.
He was elected to The Lambs in 1912. At a Gambol, he uncannily impersonated Belasco. Flo Ziegfeld was there and was so impressed he booked Tynan for the Follies, imitating Belasco in multiple shows. It was said to be the only time the Follies were “serious” and Belasco loved the impersonation so much he called it “his alibi.”
His movie roles included Success (1921), followed by Loyal Lives (1923). Signed to RKO Studios in the 1930s, he was a popular character performer in films to include Parnell (1937), It’s In The Stars (1938), Rangers of Fortune (1940), Virginia City (1940) and Marry the Boss’s Daughter (1941).
He served 14 years as president of the Catholic Actors Guild of America. When he was a member so were George M. Cohan, Victor Herbert, Eddie Cantor, and Sophie Tucker. Tyan died weeks before he turned 92.
He was married twice: Caroline Whyte (until 1918 her death in Influenza Pandemic, after three years of marriage). And briefly married to Lily Cahill who acted opposed him in The Melody of Youth (1916).
Tynan is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx.