Trivia

In 1967 after taking LSD (acid), he set himself on fire in New York City's Central Park behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art near Cleopatra's Needle. After recuperation, he candidly spoke about it in an anti-drug documentary. He made use of his scarred face to play sinister-looking characters in horror films.

Speaks five languages fluently: German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Swahili.

His body was donated to medical science.

Plays the flute, piano, guitar and saxophone.

Served in the US Marine Corps.

Appeared in both the pilot and the final episode of Starsky and Hutch (1975).

Found dead in his home in Palm Springs, CA, on June 19, 2012 by Carol Vogel. She had not heard from him for several days and went to check on him. Finding his front door ajar, she entered and found him on his kitchen floor.

Has dual citizenship (US and Ireland).

His personal favorite role was in Vampire (1979).

Likes Gospel music.

Born to Irish parents. Frequently visited his family's native Cork.

Was a lifetime member of the Actors Studio in New York City.

Co-starred with son Christopher Lynch in Trancers II (1991).

Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Madrid Film Festival.

Was sharing an apartment with Don Calfa at the time of his LSD-fueled accident.

An honorary member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Awarded the 1983 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor as the evil King Titus Cromwell in The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982).

Survived by his sisters, Carole J. Taylor and Cathy L. Jones; his brother, Barry J. Lynch. He is predeceased by his son, Christopher Lynch. A memorial service was held at Hollywood Forever Funeral Home on 6/24/12.

Co-starred with younger brother Barry Lynch in Nightforce (1987) and Total Force (1996).