Keenan Wynn Biography

Fast Facts

• Was a member of the Westwood Sertoma service club which advocated for assisting those who suffer from hearing afflictions
• Encouraged by his father to enter acting, he appeared in an episode of the original "Playhouse 90․"
• The son of a smalltime actress and a vaudeville comic who worked on Broadway
• Quote: "I do not consider myself a star․ I'm a craftsman, and I know my craft․"
• Known as a character actor for his ability to portray a wide variety of roles
• Frequently portrayed characters who expressed prideful tendencies
• Pushed his father to reenter showbusiness following the man's nervous breakdown
• Was originally cast as Perry White in "Superman," but had to drop out after suffering from exhaustion
• Introduced Triumph motorcycles to fellow actors Steve McQueen and Lee Marvin
• Suffered from chronic ringing in his ears late in life due to his passion for racing, mostly in vehicles that were loud and un-muffled