Actor and acting coach John Kirby passed away on Wednesday, three years after being diagnosed with ALS. He was 75 years old.
The news was confirmed on Instagram by Nathan Nesbitt, Kirby’s acting studio manager and assistant for 22 years. “I am here to officially announce the passing of our beloved John in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15th. This is devastating to all of us and we are just trying to find a way to cope,” Ms Nesbitt said.
Kirby was the son of actor Bruce Kirby (“Columbo”) and the younger brother of actor Bruno Kirby (“The Godfather,” “When Harry Met Sally”).
Kirby was one of Hollywood’s most respected and sought-after acting coaches. He has mentored members of the entertainment industry including Jeff Bridges, Jim Caviezel, Cameron Diaz, Chrissy Metz, Morris Chestnut, Judith Light, Renee Taylor, Jordin Sparks, Hilary Duff, Jeremy Sumpter, Louis Tan, Frank Capra, Jessica Marie Garcia, Alyson Stoner, and “Chicago Fire” star Carla Kilmer.
Additionally, I have provided guidance in feature film and television production. At Walt Disney Pictures, his credits include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Stick It, Underdog and The Prom. He also directed Universal Pictures’ “Peter Pan” and Dimension Films’ “Scream 4.”
“You can’t turn on the television or watch a movie without recognizing the man John mentored, mentored and influenced,” Nesbitt added in a follow-up statement. “His imprint is everywhere in this industry. His influence extends far beyond the performances we see on screen and is woven into the very fabric of Hollywood.”
Kirby was first diagnosed with ALS in 2023, a year after she noticed symptoms. He fell and broke his hip, which led to the diagnosis.
A celebration of life will be held on August 15th at 1:00 pm at the Hall of Freedom at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. It will be open to the public.
