Native New Yorker Bruno Kirby, born Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu on April 28, 1949, in New York City, was a talented character actor with a unique scratchy tenor voice, slim eyes, and droopy face that accentuated his deadpan comedic instincts.
He was raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen and began his career in the early 1970s with roles in TV pilot episodes, films, and TV series. Notable roles include his part as Young Clemenza alongside Robert De Niro's young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, and his featured role as Richard S. Castellano's son in the short-lived ethnic sitcom The Super.
On stage, Bruno appeared in several productions, including "On the Money," "Geniuses," and "Lost in Yonkers." He also showcased off-Broadway, playing writer Alan Zweibel in "Bunny Bunny," a tribute to comedienne Gilda Radner and their close 14-year friendship.
Bruno's close association with director Rob Reiner and actor Billy Crystal led to the apex of his film career. He played Crystal's best buddy in two of Crystal's biggest box-office hits, When Harry Met Sally... and City Slickers. He also appeared in Reiner's cult hit This Is Spinal Tap.
In addition to his work with Reiner and Crystal, Bruno appeared in a range of films, including Good Morning, Vietnam, Tin Men, The Freshman, The Basketball Diaries, and Donnie Brasco. He was equally effective in taut, heavier stories and supported up-and-coming stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.
On TV, Bruno was a regular on It's Garry Shandling's Show, played dogged prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi in the miniseries Helter Skelter, and appeared on popular shows such as Entourage. He was married to actress Lynn Sellers in 2004 and had a brother, John, who is a well-known acting coach.
