John Kirby, a respected actor and renowned acting coach, has died at the age of 75 after a three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The news of Kirby’s passing was confirmed by Nathan Nesbitt, his acting studio manager and assistant of 22 years, who shared an emotional tribute announcing that Kirby died on the morning of Wednesday, July 15.
Kirby was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most influential and respected acting coaches, dedicating much of his career to helping performers develop their craft. Over the years, he coached numerous actors in the entertainment industry, including Jeff Bridges, Jim Caviezel, Cameron Diaz, Chrissy Metz, Morris Chestnut, Judith Light, Renée Taylor, Jordin Sparks, Hilary Duff, Jeremy Sumpter, Lewis Tan, and many others.
Beyond his work as a coach, Kirby also provided on-set acting guidance for major film and television productions. His credits included coaching roles for projects such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Stick It, Underdog, Prom, Peter Pan, and Scream 4.
Kirby’s impact on Hollywood extended far beyond individual performances. Those who worked with him remembered him as a mentor who helped shape generations of actors and contributed greatly to the success of countless productions.
“I can’t turn on a television or watch a film without recognizing someone John coached, mentored or influenced,” Nesbitt said in a tribute. “His fingerprints are everywhere in this industry.”
Born into a family with a strong connection to entertainment, Kirby was the son of actor Bruce Kirby, known for his work on Columbo, and the brother of actor Bruno Kirby, who appeared in films including The Godfather and When Harry Met Sally.
Kirby was diagnosed with ALS in 2023 after experiencing symptoms for about a year. His diagnosis followed a fall that resulted in a broken hip, eventually leading to the discovery of the disease.
Friends, colleagues, and members of the entertainment community continue to honor Kirby’s remarkable career, his dedication to teaching, and the lasting influence he had on actors and filmmakers throughout Hollywood.
A celebration of John Kirby’s life will be held on August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills and will be open to the public.
John Kirby will be remembered for his passion for acting, his generosity as a mentor, and the countless lives he touched through his work.
May he rest in peace.