Bruce Kirby, actor “Columbo” and “LA Law”, has died at the age of 95.
His son, John Kirby, confirmed his death Tuesday in a Facebook post.
‘My father loved acting and apart from his extraordinary professional career in television, film and theater, he never stopped working on it for his 9 years scholarship to Lee Strasberg, LA’s Theater East & The Actors Studio. .
“It hurt him a lot when he could not perform anymore. I’m so glad she’s living a wonderful job …
‘He was a wonderful father who loved Bruno and me, and as a family he made it possible for us to tour in this professional summer supply package, something we would all look forward to every summer …
“I’m glad you’re there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.”
The American character actor began his illustrious career on screen in the 1950s, where he starred in the anthologies “Omnibus” and “Goodyear Playhouse”.
He made a leap in the ’60s when he landed prominent roles in television favorites “The Patty Duke Show,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Car 54, Where Are You?” and “The Defenders.”
In the ’70s and’ 80s, Bruce made the transition to sitcoms, including “The Doris Day Show,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “MASH,” specializing in cop and detective dramas.
Most importantly, the mainstay of Hollywood Sgt. Kramer in ‘Columbo’ and between 1986 and 1991 he represented DA Bruce Rogoff in ‘LA Law’.
Bruce has been seen on many popular shows over the years, including ‘The Golden Girls’, ‘The Sopranos’, ‘The West Wing’ and ended his career in the 2000s with roles in ‘Numb3rs’ and ‘Scrubs’.
Although he focused mainly on television roles, the artist did appear on the big screen on several occasions and collaborated with comedian Matt Dillon on the Oscar-winning film ‘Crash’.
Bruce also made it to Broadway, starring Uncle Ben in 1984’s Death of a Salesman, starring Dustin Hoffman.
Bruce’s eldest son, Bruno, who also led an avid acting career, lost his life to leukemia in 2006 at the age of 57.
Bruce is survived by his second son, John, and his wife, Rosalyn, and has led a very award-winning and prestigious career in Hollywood.