Bruce Kirby, a character actor known for appearing in movies such as ‘Stand by Me’ and TV shows such as ‘The West Wing’, has died. He was 95.
The sad news was confirmed on Facebook by the son of actor John, along with several loving photos of the star.
“My dear brilliant father BRUCE KIRBY passed away peacefully last night at the age of 95 in Cedars, Los Angeles,” he wrote on Monday. “My heart is heavy but grateful for all the extra blessed years together. My stepmother ROZ’s love and dedication was remarkable and a great strength to keep him alive for so long.”
John said that his father had always worked very hard on his trade and that it was very painful for him when he could no longer perform.
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Among the credits Kirby’s son pointed out were the movie ‘Crash’ and television shows ‘Columbo’, ‘LA Law’ and ‘The Golden Girls’.
Bruce Kirby passed away at the age of 95. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives / Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
He was also known for playing a guard in The Muppet Movie in 1979 and Mr. Quidaciolou in ‘Stand by Me’.
“He was very proud of his performance as Alfieri in the LA production of ‘A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE’ and liked to use his real Italian name (Bruno Giovanni) in the Program & Press,” the boy continued. “The cast included Kim Cattrall and the late Greats: Susan Peretz, Allen Garfield, Carmen Argenziano and Kevin Geer. After Arthur Miller saw him in this, my father was taken back to Broadway when Miller took him for the role of BEN in Dustin Hoffman’s’. DEATH OF A SELLER, “an experience my father and Roz cherished.”
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Kirby is also acknowledged to have appeared in ‘Diamond Orchid’ on Broadway in 1965. John also pointed out that he joined the cast of touring productions of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and ‘Gypsy’.
John said the actor was a great father to him and his brother Bruno, who was also an actor, who died in 2006 at the age of 57 from complications related to leukemia.
Bruce Kirby in the 1977 ABC TV movie ‘McNamara’s Band’. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
John then praises the documentary “Troupers”, in which his father appears
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He concluded: “Thank you so much DAD for everything you taught me about acting and how to have such a strong work ethic while sharing your love of art and the art of everything. I will miss you and always love me “I’m glad you’re up there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.”
The cause of the actor’s death is currently unclear.
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People magazine reports that Roz, the abbreviation for Roslyn, also survives her husband.