Overview
- His death, which occurred on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, was confirmed publicly by longtime assistant and caregiver Nathan Nesbitt.
- Kirby was diagnosed with ALS in 2023 after a fall and broken hip and lived more than three years beyond an initial six-month prognosis.
- He spent more than five decades mentoring performers such as Jeff Bridges, Cameron Diaz and Chrissy Metz and was widely known inside the industry as a trusted guide.
- Kirby coached on location for major studio films including The Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pan and Scream 4, and his on-set work became a mark of professional credibility for actors.
- A public celebration of life at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills has been announced by Nesbitt but outlets report conflicting dates for the event, and organizers have not yet reconciled that discrepancy.