In Remembrance: Bruno Kirby

     Bruno Kirby, the actor best known for his comic supporting roles in When Harry Met Sally (1989) and City Slickers (1991), has passed away in Los Angeles on August 14, 2006. He was 57.

     Born Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu, Jr. on April 28, 1949 in New York City, NY, Kirby’s father was film and television actor Bruce Kirby. He made his film debut in the 1971 drama The Young Graduates. Kirby made several small film and television appearances until 1974, when he appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Part 2, where he earned acclaim for his portrayal of the young Peter Clemenza. Other notable early film appearances include Almost Summer (1978), Where The Buffalo Roam (1980), This Is Spinal Tap (1984) and Flesh & Blood (1985).

     Over his career, Kirby became known for his roles as quintessential New Yorkers often as the straight man to the comic lead in such films as Modern Romance (1981), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) and The Freshman (1990). In 1989 Kirby appeared as the friend of Billy Crystal in the hit romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. The two paired again two years later for the comedy City Slickers. In addition to his comedic roles, Kirby took dramatic turns in such films as Sleepers (1996) and Donny Brasco (1997).

     Kirby’s final film appearance was in the British crime drama Played (2006).