Actor Bruno Kirby Dies at 57

Bruno KirbyLOS ANGELES (AP) -- Bruno Kirby, a veteran character actor who costarred in "When Harry Met Sally," "City Slickers" and many other films, has died at age 57, his wife said Tuesday.

Kirby died Monday in Los Angeles from complications related to leukemia, according to a statement from his wife, Lynn Sellers. He had recently been diagnosed with the disease.

"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from Bruno's fans and colleagues who have admired and respected his work over the past 30 years," his wife said. "Bruno's spirit will continue to live on not only in his rich body of film and television work but also through the lives of individuals he has touched throughout his life."

Kirby was perhaps best known for his roles opposite Billy Crystal in 1989's "When Harry Met Sally" and 1991's "City Slickers."

Other film credits included "Good Morning, Vietnam," "The Godfather: Part II" and "Donnie Brasco." More recently, he played Phil Rubenstein on the HBO series "Entourage."

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Reader Comments

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16. Our deepest condolences to his family. Bruno Kirby was a very talented actor and he was just amazing in Godfather II speaking in the Sicilian dialect and was hilarious in When Harry Met Sally...he will be sadly missed by all. Rest In Peace.

Posted at 12:43AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Leslie

17. My deepest sympathy to his wife, Lynn and especially his father, Bruce.
How diificult it must be to lose a child at any age.

Posted at 12:43AM on Aug 16th 2006 by doofus

18. I was shocked to read this--I didn't even know he had leukemia. Just re-watched WHMS last weekend and loved it (again). He was pitch-perfect as Harry's best friend and I agree with the other commenters that his work (as the young Clemenza, right?) in Godfather II was stellar.

So sad for the family and for the industry. May they take comfort in knowing that he reached so many of us through his work.

Posted at 2:20AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Esther Kustanowitz

19. Bruno.. you were fantastic. This story just took my breath away. I had no idea that he was sick.. 57 is too young.
you were a talent.. and you were a comfort.
Thank you for your work.
You will be MISSED.
Love to everyone who is missing you.

Posted at 2:56AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Celena

20. VERY POWERFUL ROLES FOR A VERY SPECIAL ACTOR. GOD BE WITH BRUNO AND HIS FAMILY

Posted at 3:05AM on Aug 16th 2006 by DENNIS FM DOVER, DELAWARE

21. Sorry to hear this he was a funny my deepest sympthony to his family

Posted at 3:47AM on Aug 16th 2006 by sean sloppy

22. God bless you Bruno

Posted at 6:54AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Click to Win a Chance to Appear on TV

23. Bruno will be missed

Posted at 6:56AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Click to Win a Chance to Appear on TV

24. My sympathy to the family. Wonderful actor and I enjoyed his work.

Posted at 8:31AM on Aug 16th 2006 by CindiCat

25. Don;t forget his brilliant, understated role as Albert Brook's assistant editor in Modern Romance - and as the chaffeur in Spinal Tap - his greatness lay in his subtly.

Posted at 8:36AM on Aug 16th 2006 by anton

26. God Bless you Bruno. Thanks for the giggles and the great acting.

Posted at 8:42AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Susan B

27. :(

Posted at 9:37AM on Aug 16th 2006 by boredatwork

28. GOD bless you and your family Bruno! Loved his work in Harry met Sally ... too funny! Great actor!

Posted at 10:00AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Babee

29. Nowhere in any of the write-ups has anyone mentioned Bruno's work in one of the funniest movies of all time: Spinal Tap! As the Sinatra-loving chauffeur, Kirby infused the character with a sincerity and earnestness that was hilarious to watch. Truly a gem.

Posted at 10:02AM on Aug 16th 2006 by G

30. "When you've loved and lost like Frank has.. then you know what life's all about"..

He and Rob Reiner had a good thing going. Also brilliant in The Godfather II, WHMS & Good Morning Vietnam.

I'm amazed that he past -- didn't even know he was ill. A truly interesting character actor..i'm sure there are many, manyt good roles that no one has touched on here.

Posted at 11:04AM on Aug 16th 2006 by Marc Whitw

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