Actor Bruce Kirby (1925-2021)

[Zoneboy]

https://tinyurl.com/y5j3kqtu

My dear brilliant Dad BRUCE KIRBY passed away peacefully last night at Cedars in Los Angeles at the age of 95. My heart is heavy but grateful for all the extra blessed years together. My Step-Mom ROZ’s Love & devotion was remarkable & a major force in keeping him alive so long.

My Father loved acting and aside from his extraordinary professional career in Televison, Film & Theater, he never stopped working on it from his early years in New York on scholarship with Lee Strasberg for 9 years, LA’s Theatre East & The Actors Studio. It was very painful for him when he no longer could perform. I am so glad his wonderful work will live on in Academy Award winning film: “CRASH” & all the late night TV streaming of his reoccurring & series regular roles including “KOJAK” “COLUMBO” “L.A. LAW” “CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU?” & of course his special Guest Star on “GOLDEN GIRLS” to highlight a few.

He was very proud of his performance as Alfieri in the LA production of “A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE” & loved using his real Italian name (Bruno Giovanni) in the Program & Press. The cast included Kim Cattrall & the late Greats: Susan Peretz, Allen Garfield, Carmen Argenziano & Kevin Geer. After Arthur Miller saw him in this, my Dad was led back to Broadway as Miller cast him for the role of BEN in Dustin Hoffman’s “DEATH OF A SALESMAN” an experience my Dad & Roz cherished.

He was a great Father who loved Bruno and Me and as a family he made it his business for us to tour in these professional Summer Stock packages something we would all look forward to every summer! Touring in several productions of “BYE BYE BIRDIE” with Van Johnson & “GYPSY” with Jane Morgan. My older brother Bruno even shared his birthdate with our beloved Dad; April 28th. Bruce was also terrific to our step-brother Brad Sullivan and our longtime childhood friend Tony Amatullo

One of my favorite documentaries is “TROUPERS” Produced by my loyal childhood friend Sara T. Ballantine whom my Dad always loved. Bruce is featured in this wonderful look into the world of how Actors persevere through decades of show-biz challenges & victories with so many recognizable family friends interviewed.

Special thanks to PEDRO his 24 hour Care-Giver & the dearest Susan J. Sullivan who always goes the extra mile to look out for Dad & Roz well being.

Thank You DAD for everything you taught me about Acting & how to have such a strong work ethic while sharing your love for the Arts & the Craft of it all. I will miss You & Love You always. I’m glad you’re up there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.

All my Love,

JOHN

[SledgeBarone]

I'm sorry about your loss.

[TVLegend]

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

https://tinyurl.com/y5j3kqtu

My dear brilliant Dad BRUCE KIRBY passed away peacefully last night at Cedars in Los Angeles at the age of 95. My heart is heavy but grateful for all the extra blessed years together. My Step-Mom ROZ’s Love & devotion was remarkable & a major force in keeping him alive so long.

My Father loved acting and aside from his extraordinary professional career in Televison, Film & Theater, he never stopped working on it from his early years in New York on scholarship with Lee Strasberg for 9 years, LA’s Theatre East & The Actors Studio. It was very painful for him when he no longer could perform. I am so glad his wonderful work will live on in Academy Award winning film: “CRASH” & all the late night TV streaming of his reoccurring & series regular roles including “KOJAK” “COLUMBO” “L.A. LAW” “CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU?” & of course his special Guest Star on “GOLDEN GIRLS” to highlight a few.

He was very proud of his performance as Alfieri in the LA production of “A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE” & loved using his real Italian name (Bruno Giovanni) in the Program & Press. The cast included Kim Cattrall & the late Greats: Susan Peretz, Allen Garfield, Carmen Argenziano & Kevin Geer. After Arthur Miller saw him in this, my Dad was led back to Broadway as Miller cast him for the role of BEN in Dustin Hoffman’s “DEATH OF A SALESMAN” an experience my Dad & Roz cherished.

He was a great Father who loved Bruno and Me and as a family he made it his business for us to tour in these professional Summer Stock packages something we would all look forward to every summer! Touring in several productions of “BYE BYE BIRDIE” with Van Johnson & “GYPSY” with Jane Morgan. My older brother Bruno even shared his birthdate with our beloved Dad; April 28th. Bruce was also terrific to our step-brother Brad Sullivan and our longtime childhood friend Tony Amatullo

One of my favorite documentaries is “TROUPERS” Produced by my loyal childhood friend Sara T. Ballantine whom my Dad always loved. Bruce is featured in this wonderful look into the world of how Actors persevere through decades of show-biz challenges & victories with so many recognizable family friends interviewed.

Special thanks to PEDRO his 24 hour Care-Giver & the dearest Susan J. Sullivan who always goes the extra mile to look out for Dad & Roz well being.

Thank You DAD for everything you taught me about Acting & how to have such a strong work ethic while sharing your love for the Arts & the Craft of it all. I will miss You & Love You always. I’m glad you’re up there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.

All my Love,

JOHN

Wow, you’re father was a celebrity? Cool. But I’m sorry that he died. I remember him on Kojak.

[AB]

Rest in peace.

[Samme]

That's a good letter. I always liked seeing Bruce Kirby. I like everyone connected to Car 54. He was good on the show. Sad that Bruno died too young.

[Old School]

IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0116483/

[Fallon97]

Such sad news. Prayers to the love ones. RIP

[Dude111]

Very sad.... Thank you Zoneboy