Bruce Kirby, a talented and prolific actor, has had a remarkable career spanning over five decades. Born Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu, he adopted the stage name Bruce Kirby and began his journey in the world of acting at the prestigious Actor's Studio in New York, where he studied under the renowned Lee Strasberg.
Kirby's early work was primarily on stage, debuting in the early 1950s and going on to appear in numerous productions throughout the 1960s. One of his most notable roles was as Officer Kissel in the classic TV show Car 54, Where Are You?, which aired from 1961 to 1963.
In the 1970s, Kirby began to make a name for himself on television, with recurring roles in popular shows such as Kojak, Columbo, and Holmes and Yoyo. He continued to work steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in a wide range of genres, including crime dramas, comedies, and dramas.
Some of Kirby's most notable roles include District Attorney Bruce Rogoff in the Emmy Award-winning series L.A. Law, Det. George Schmidt in the short-lived crime series Shannon, and a number of memorable guest appearances on popular shows such as Hogan's Heroes, Bonanza, and The Rockford Files.
In addition to his work on television, Kirby has also had a successful career on stage, appearing in productions such as A View from the Bridge and Diamond Orchid. He was even an understudy to Dustin Hoffman for the role of Willy Loman in a 1984 production of Arthur Miller's Death of A Salesman.
Kirby continued to work in the entertainment industry until his retirement in 2009. He passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a long and fulfilling career.
