Born to a large Irish Catholic family, Lydon was the fifth of nine children, and his early life was marked by a unique set of circumstances. Despite being born with a birth defect, Lydon went on to defy the odds and pursue a career in the performing arts. His journey began on the stages of Broadway, where he had the opportunity to act alongside notable talents such as Van Heflin, Sidney Lumet, and Uta Hagen in separate productions.
As his career continued to take shape, Lydon began to make his mark in the film industry, working with prestigious studios such as Paramount and RKO. However, it was his role in the "Henry Aldrich" B-movie series of the early 1940s that truly catapulted him to fame. This series of films showcased Lydon's versatility as an actor and cemented his status as a rising star in Hollywood.
In the early 1950s, Lydon began to transition into television, working on a number of projects that showcased his talents as an actor, writer, and producer. One of his most notable achievements during this period was his work on the popular television series "77 Sunset Strip," which premiered in 1958.
Lydon's creative endeavors didn't stop there. In the 1970s, he turned his attention to production, playing a key role in the development of the iconic television series "M*A*S*H," which premiered in 1972. This show, which was known for its witty humor and poignant storylines, went on to become a beloved classic, and Lydon's contributions to its creation are still celebrated today.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Lydon has continued to work behind the scenes, producing and writing for a variety of projects. Despite his many accomplishments, Lydon remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and he continues to be an active and influential figure in the entertainment industry.