Veteran Hollywood acting coach John Kirby has died at the age of 75 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ending a career that shaped the performances of thousands of actors over more than four decades, states The Hollywood Reporter.
Kirby earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected acting coaches and mentors.
The Hollywood Reporter once described him as “an actor’s guardian angel”.
He worked with a long list of acclaimed performers, including Jeff Bridges, Cameron Diaz, Jim Caviezel, Chrissy Metz, Morris Chestnut, Shawn Mendes and Judith Light.
Born into a Hollywood family, Kirby was the son of actor Bruce Kirby and the younger brother of actor Bruno Kirby.
He began coaching actors while still in high school and later founded The John Kirby Studio in Hollywood.
Over the years, he built a reputation for helping both emerging and established performers refine their craft without undermining their confidence.
Kirby also worked as an actor and acting coach on numerous film and television productions.
His screen credits included Breakthrough, Paul, Apostle of Christ, The Age of Adaline, The Haves and the Have Nots and Out on a Limb.
He revealed in 2023 that doctors had diagnosed him with ALS after months of symptoms.
Friends, former students and colleagues launched fundraising campaigns to help cover his medical expenses as the disease progressed.
Kirby leaves behind a lasting legacy through the generations of actors he coached and inspired throughout his career.
