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Hollywood Mourns Beloved Acting Coach John Kirby
20 Jul
Summary
- Renowned acting coach John Kirby passed away at 75 after an ALS diagnosis.
- He coached numerous A-list celebrities and worked on major film productions.
- A celebration of life will be held publicly on August 15th.

Esteemed acting coach John Kirby passed away on Wednesday, July 15th, at the age of 75. His death followed a three-year struggle with ALS, a diagnosis he received after a fall and hip injury. Kirby was a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for coaching many A-list actors such as Jeff Bridges, Cameron Diaz, and Chrissy Metz.
Beyond individual coaching, Kirby lent his expertise to numerous film and television productions. His credits include work on Walt Disney Pictures' "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "Underdog," as well as Universal Pictures' "Peter Pan." His extensive influence in the industry was noted by his studio manager, who stated Kirby's impact is "woven into the very fabric of Hollywood."
Kirby hailed from a renowned acting family; he was the son of actor Bruce Kirby and the brother of the late Bruno Kirby. A celebration of his life is planned for August 15th at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, and it will be open to the public.