Byron Barr, later known as Gig Young, was born to parents John and Emma Barr in Minnesota, where he developed a passion for theatre through his high school plays. He later received a scholarship to the renowned Pasadena Community Playhouse in Southern California, where he gained amateur experience and was spotted by a Warner Brothers talent scout, leading to his signing of contracts with the studio.
Initially, Young continued to act under his given name, Byron Barr, playing minor roles and extra parts. He experimented with various screen names due to the existence of another actor with the same name. In 1942, he was given the role of a character named Gig Young in the film "The Gay Sisters," which he liked enough to adopt as his permanent stage name.
Young's intermittent roles and income required him to supplement his income by working at a gas station. However, his success in "The Gay Sisters" eventually allowed him to become a full-time actor. His service in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II interrupted his ascent, but after his discharge, he quickly established himself as a reliable light leading man, often playing the second male lead to established stars.
Young's breakthrough came with a dramatic role in "Come Fill the Cup" (1951),which earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Seven years later, he received a second Supporting Actor nomination for his comedic performance in "Teacher's Pet" (1958). He went on to have a prolific television career, complementing his film work.
In 1969, Young's portrayal of a dance-marathon emcee in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" finally brought him the Supporting Actor Oscar. Young was married multiple times, including to actress Elizabeth Montgomery, but his marriage to German actress Kim Schmidt ended tragically.
