Attended St. Peter's Elementary School and Plattsburgh High School, and received his B.A. degree from Plattsburgh State, now known as the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.
Retired from acting in the 1990s to care for his sister, Henrietta Bouyea, who was in declining health.
He studied acting under Stella Adler and dance with Martha Graham. He later starred on Broadway opposite Vivien Leigh in "Duel of Angels" during the late 1950s.
Served in the United States Army before becoming an elementary school teacher.
Was married only once. His only son, Sean Kevin O'Byrne, died as a child.
His Irish parents were Elmer and Bessie M. Ducatte O'Byrne.