Beloved acting coach has died from ALS at 75. Acting coach John Kirby, son of acting icon Bruce Kirby, has died.
Videos by Wide Open Country
For three years, John has battled ALS. His longtime assistant and caregiver, Nathan Nesbitt, confirmed that John had passed away. Nesbitt wrote in a statement, "An Actor's Guardian Angel —a gifted mentor whose insight, compassion and extraordinary understanding of the human experience helped shape generations of performers."
The acting coach mentored many Hollywood icons, including Jeff Bridges, Cameron Diaz, Morris Chestnut, Lewis Tan, Chrissy Metz, and Hilary Duff, among others.
The statement continued, "What began as a natural gift for helping others evolved into an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades. John became one of Hollywood's most respected and sought-after acting coaches. Earning the admiration and trust of actors, agents, managers and casting directors alike. In the industry, simply having 'Coached by John Kirby' on an actor's résumé carried tremendous credibility. It signified a level of preparation, authenticity and artistry that John instilled in every performer he guided."
Acting Coach Has Died
The acting coach was credited with helping on movies such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Scream 4. He also played a role in TV as well, working with Metz on This Is Us.
Nesbitt said, "I can't turn on a television or watch a film without recognizing someone John coached, mentored or influenced. His fingerprints are everywhere in this industry. His impact extends far beyond the performances we see on screen—it's woven into the very fabric of Hollywood."
The acting coach battled ALS for years despite only being given six months to live.
"With extraordinary courage, unwavering determination and an indomitable will to live, John faced ALS with remarkable resilience," the obituary stated. "He defied expectations, living for more than three years after the onset of his illness. His journey was a testament to the same strength, perseverance and depth of spirit that he had spent a lifetime inspiring in others."
It continued, "John Kirby's influence reaches far beyond the performances audiences see on screen. It lives in the actors who discovered their voices under his guidance, the artists who found confidence because he believed in them and the countless careers strengthened by his wisdom and generosity."
