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sandensea

(21,615 posts)
Wed Jan 27, 2021, 03:14 PM Jan 2021

Bruce Kirby, character actor in 'Columbo' and 'L.A. Law,' dies at 95

Bruce Kirby, a character actor best known for his roles in “Columbo” and “Stand by Me,” died in Los Angeles on Sunday. He was 95.

Kirby, born Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu, began his career at the Actor’s Studio in New York and studied under the famed acting coach Lee Strasberg. He debuted on stage in the 1950s and then launched a steady career in television primarily playing smaller roles as unimposing law enforcement figures.

He played the gullible Sergeant George Kramer from the detective series “Columbo.” Kramer only saw the obvious details of a case, often falling for the murderer’s phony alibi. From 1973-1995, Kirby appeared in nine episodes of the show.

Kirby made many other television appearances in shows like “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Car 54, Where Are You?,” “Bonanza” and “M*A*S*H.”

He also played Sgt. Al Vine in the crime drama television series “Kojak,” and District Attorney Bruce Rogoff in the Emmy Award-winning legal drama “L.A. Law.”

He retired from acting in 2009.

At: https://variety.com/2021/tv/obituaries-people-news/bruce-kirby-dead-columbo-bruno-kirby-father-1234892476/



Prolific character actor Bruce Kirby, 1925-2021.
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Bruce Kirby, character actor in 'Columbo' and 'L.A. Law,' dies at 95 (Original Post) sandensea Jan 2021 OP
He was in a film I co-wrote and produced The Blue Flower Jan 2021 #1
Kudos! sandensea Jan 2021 #3
Also the father of actor Bruno Kirby Hela Jan 2021 #2
Interesting. Thanks for letting me know. sandensea Jan 2021 #4

The Blue Flower

(5,439 posts)
1. He was in a film I co-wrote and produced
Wed Jan 27, 2021, 03:45 PM
Jan 2021

It won high awards for comedy in a few festivals in 2000. We were so, so lucky to get this kind and generous man in a featured role. The title is Vinnie & Angela's Beauty Salon and Funeral Parlor:

sandensea

(21,615 posts)
3. Kudos!
Wed Jan 27, 2021, 05:47 PM
Jan 2021

Reminds me of another Indy comedy from that era, The Deli.

And please take that as a compliment, as it's one of my very favorite '90s comedies.

Thanks again for sharing.

sandensea

(21,615 posts)
4. Interesting. Thanks for letting me know.
Wed Jan 27, 2021, 05:50 PM
Jan 2021

They do resemble each other - though, and correct me if I'm wrong, they played very different personas on screen.

The dad was the quintessential hard-nosed, but good-hearted, police captain/detective - whereas the son was more comedic.

Thanks again.

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