It is with sorrow and fond remembrance that Philadelphia Theatre Company notes the untimely passing of stage, film and television actor Bruno Kirby

August 16, 2006

We had the pleasure of working with Bruno in 1996 when we produced the world premiere of Alan Zweibel's delightful play Bunny Bunny, a stage adaptation from his own book about his longtime relationship with the late Gilda Radnor. Bruno's role was that of Alan Zweibel himself, no small task given the fact that Alan was at every rehearsal and many of the performances. Bruno was also given a heartfelt final monologue to deliver at the end of each evening that summed up Alan's deepest feelings about Gilda. It never ceased to amaze us that, night after night, Bruno would end up weeping on stage. Real tears, effortlessly conjured. Of course, the audience could not help but follow. I also recall that in the many weeks Bruno was performing Bunny Bunny, he became a "favorite son" of South Philadelphia. I don't think he paid for a drink, a meal or a bag of groceries in the Italian Market during the entire length of his stay because everyone knew him and insisted that he put his wallet away. Finally, I remember the many nights spent over drinks listening to him talk about his father, actor Bruce Kirby, and what it was like growing up in Hell's Kitchen. Months after Bunny Bunny closed Off Broadway (our production transferred there), Bruno found time to return to Philadelphia to co-host the Barrymore Awards, where he was jokingly introduced as "Big Shot Hollywood Actor ...Bruno Kirby!" He got a big kick out of that because, in fact, no one was more modest and self-effacing.

A man of talent and grace, he will be missed.