Popular Greek comedian, Harry Klynn (née Vassilis Triantafyllidis), has died at age 78.
Born in 1940 to Pontic Greek refugees in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, he experienced poverty during his childhood before embarking on an exciting career that saw his make a name for himself in Greece and abroad.
Klynn studied acting and started out on G. Oikonomidis’ Talents Night in 1958 before moving to the Greek capital, where he went on to establish himself as one of the city’s favourite acts.
The 60s then saw him enter the film industry and also made his debut into theatre at Akropol and Hatzichristos Theatres.
Klynn eventually made a move abroad to live in the United States and Canada for some 10 years, where he worked as a writer and stand-up comedian.
In 1974 he returned to Greece, and shot to fame in the 1980s and 90s. In Athens he put on a series of shows, released records that made their way to the top of the charts, and featured in films that were box office hits.
The comedian came face to face with tragedy in 2016, with the passing of his eldest child, filmmaker Nicholas Triantafyllidis.
Klynn’s health had been deteriorating, and was experiencing breathing problems.
On Sunday evening he experienced a seizure at his home in Thessaloniki, and was rushed to hospital where he passed away on Monday, two weeks after his 78th birthday.