Bruno Kirby, a veteran character actor best known for playing Billy Crystal's best mate in two of his most popular comedies, When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers, has died. He was 57.
Kirby died on Monday in Los Angeles from complications related to leukaemia, his wife Lynn Sellers said in a statement yesterday.
Born Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu in 1949 in New York City, he was the son of actor Bruce Kirby. After a succession of TV roles in the early 70s, he scored an appearance in the best picture Oscar-winning The Godfather: Part II in 1974.
After more TV work in such 1980s staples as Fame and Hill Street Blues, he came to the international film fan's notice as Second Lt Steven Hauk, the nemesis to Robin Williams' DJ Adrian Cronauer in 1987's Good Morning, Vietnam.
That was followed two years later by the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, in which Kirby played Crystal's best friend. In 1991, Kirby once again appeared as Crystal's cheery chum in City Slickers - along for a mid-life adventure driving cattle on a dude ranch.
He also appeared in 1997's Donnie Brasco, and recently in an episode of the HBO hit series Entourage.
Along with his wife and father, Kirby is survived by his stepmother Roz Kirby, brother John Kirby and stepbrother Brad Sullivan.