- Mini biography
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Born on September 22, 1948, Jim Byrnes grew up in
St. Louis, the middle child of a middle class family. He learned to
play blues guitar at age 13-- and continues to play on his favorite
guitar, a Gibson 1969 Hummingbird. An eclectic individual, he studied
for the priest hood in a seminary, and was even a professional
shepherd at one point. He studied acting at Boston University and
St.Louis University. Byrnes is a gifted actor and an inspiring
individual. He lost both his legs in an automobile accident Feb. 26,
1972-- the same day he landed his pivotal "Wiseguy" role as
Lifeguard fifteen years later.
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