" In the days when I was the big hero, the money wasn’t much. Nobody made anything on television in those days. "
- Edd Byrnes

When Edd Byrnes reflects on his time as a television star, he is acknowledging that despite his status as a "big hero," financial gains were minimal during those years. This statement highlights the contrast between public recognition and actual monetary compensation, suggesting that fame alone does not guarantee wealth.

By saying this, Byrnes touches upon several broader themes: the disparity between success and reward in show business, the evolving nature of television and its impact on earnings, and the changing dynamics of celebrity culture over time. The quote also hints at a sense of nostalgia and perhaps an underlying wistfulness for simpler times when fame was less about financial gain and more about personal fulfillment and creative expression.

Edd Byrnes, best known for his role as Johnny "Angel" Kubicki in the television series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," made a significant mark on American pop culture during the 1950s and early 1960s. His reflections offer insight not only into the challenges faced by entertainers but also into the cultural shifts that have shaped entertainment industries over decades.