Early Career
Flynn's interest in theater was evident well before his departure from northeastern Ohio. He established himself early on as a ventriloquist and radio disc jockey. Flynn also gained local celebrity as a director by guiding the Canfield (Ohio) Players in such productions as Harvey, Antigone, and Pursuit of Happiness. He broke into television in pre-network days and, in 1948, starred in his own situation comedy, Yer Old Buddy.
After appearing in a number of stage plays, Flynn returned to Youngstown, where in 1950, he conducted an unsuccessful campaign for a seat in the Ohio Senate as a Republican.
Following his electoral defeat, he pursued his acting career and appeared in nearly 30 films, including many Disney films. Flynn would later recall watching an audience's reaction to his performance in the 1956 film Indestructible Man. Although he played a serious part in the horror film, people laughed, which convinced him that comedy was his forte.
Read more about this topic: Joe Flynn (US Actor)
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