Bruno Kirby (1949-2006)

Bruno Kirby has died.

He was a fine, fine actor who appeared in some fine, fine movies over the years -- including When Harry Met Sally...; The Freshman; Good Morning, Vietnam; City Slickers; Tin Men; This is Spinal Tap; and, best of all, The Godfather, Part II, where he played alongside Robert De Niro, the young Vito Corleone. (You can find his complete filmography here.) He was never the major star, but his memorable performances added so much to those movies and to everything else he was in.

I watched When Harry Met Sally..., one of the truly great and lasting romantic comedies, last weekend. I don't even know how many times I've seen it. Many, many times. And it's always wonderful. Although Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are the focus, Kirby, playing Crystal's best friend, gives an invaluable supporting performance. The movie just wouldn't be the same without him. Now would be a good time to go back and appreciate, and admire, his work.

(Our guest blogger Edward Copeland has a nice post here.)