Eddie Byrne (born January 31, 1911 in Dublin, Ireland; died August 21, 1981 in Dublin, Ireland) was an Irish actor. He is probably best known for his minor role as General Vanden Willard in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, but fans of cult sci-fi might also remember him as the skeptical Inspector Mulrooney in The Mummy and as the kindly Dr. Reginald Landers in Island of Terror. He also appeared as Inspector O'Neill in the 1959 film Jack the Ripper. He died of a stroke in 1981.
Eddie Byrne was an Irish soccer player during the 1970s.
He played for Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians (2 spells) amongst others during his career in the League of Ireland. He began his career at Rovers in 1969 and spent 3 seasons at Glenmalure Park before joining Bohs for one season. He drifted out of league football to play for Bluebell United before returning to Bohs the following season. He made 5 appearances for Bohs in European competition.
He signed again for Rovers from Philadelphia Fury in August 1978 along with Bobby Tambling and went on to make 1 European appearance for the Hoops.
Along with Eamonn Gregg he had a short spell at VfB Lübeck in Germany during the 1980/81 season.
