“Columbus” and “LA Law” actor Bruce Kirby has died at the age of 95.
His son, John Kirby, confirmed his death in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“My father loved acting and, apart from his extraordinary professional career in television, film and theater, he never stopped working for her in his early years in New York, with a scholarship with Lee Strasberg for 9 years, at LA Eastern Theater and Actors Studio.
“It was very painful for him when he could no longer perform. I am so glad that his wonderful work will continue …
“He was a great father who loved Bruno and me and, as a family, he did our job to tour in these professional summer stock packages, which we all look forward to every summer. ..
“I’m glad you’re up 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 was cast in important roles in the television favorites “The Patty Duke Show”, “I Dream of Jeannie”, “Car 54, Where Are You?” and “Defenders.”
In the 1970s and 1980s, Bruce made the transition to sitcoms, including “The Doris Day Show,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “MASH,” and specialized in detective and detective dramas.
In particular, the Hollywood pioneer played Sgt. Kramer in “Columbo”, and between 1986 and 1991, he represented DA Bruce Rogoff in “LA Law”.
Bruce has been seen in many popular shows over the years, including “The Golden Girls”, “The Sopranos”, “The West Wing” and ended his career with roles on “Numb3rs” and “Scrubs” in the 2000s. .
Although he focused mainly on television roles, the performer made it to the big screen several times, teaming up with comedian Matt Dillon for the Oscar-winning film “Crash”.
Bruce also appeared on Broadway, where he played 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 at the age of 57 in 2006.
Bruce is survived by his second son, John, and his wife, Rosalyn, and has pursued a highly regarded and distinguished career in Hollywood.