Character actor Bruce Kirby, of ‘Columbo,’ ‘L.A. Law’ fame, dead at 95

LOS ANGELES — Veteran character actor Bruce Kirby died Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 95, his son, John Kirby, confirmed.

“Thank you Dad for everything you taught me about acting and how to have such a strong work ethic while sharing your love for the arts and the craft of it all,” acting coach John Kirby wrote on Facebook, adding, “I will miss you and love you always. I’m glad you’re up there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.”

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Best known for portraying Sgt. George Kramer on the long-running mystery series “Columbo,” the elder Kirby’s career spanned five decades and also included the high-profile role of District Attorney Bruce Rogoff on “L.A. Law.”

His older son, actor Bruno Kirby, best known for his roles in “The Godfather: Part II,” “City Slickers” and “When Harry Met Sally,” died in August 2006 at the age of 57 from leukemia, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

Bruce Kirby’s other small-screen credit highlights include “Car 54, Where Are You?” as well as appearances on “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Night Court,” “The Golden Girls,” “Punky Brewster” and “M*A*S*H*,” prior to his 2009 retirement, People reported.

“He was a great Father who loved Bruno and Me and as a family he made it his business for us to tour in these professional Summer Stock packages something we would all look forward to every summer!” John Kirby wrote.

Born Bruno Giovanni, Bruce Kirby was a New York native who also appeared in dozens of films, including 2006 Oscar-winner “Crash,” as well as “Stand By Me,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Catch 22,” “Armed and Dangerous” and “Mr. Wonderful,” THR reported

In addition to his younger son, Bruce Kirby is survived by his wife, Rosalyn Heischuber.

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