Actor Bruce Kirby of “Columbo” and “LA Law” died at the age of 95.
Her son, John Kirby, confirmed his death in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“My father loved acting and, in addition to his extraordinary professional career in television, film and theater, he never stopped working on it since his early years in New York on a scholarship with Lee Strasberg for 9 years, Theater East & The Actors LA Studio.
“It was very painful for him when he was unable to perform. I am so happy that your wonderful work will live on …
“He was a great father who loved Bruno and me and as a family, he made a point of traveling with these professional summer stock packages, something we all look forward to every summer …
“I am happy that you are there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.”
The American actor began his illustrious career on the screen in the 1950s, where he starred in the anthologies “Omnibus” and “Goodyear Playhouse”.
He made a leap in the 1960s when he was cast in prominent roles on television favorites “The Patty Duke Show”, “I Dream of Jeannie”, “Car 54, Where Are You?” and “The defenders”.
In the 70s and 80s, Bruce transitioned to sitcoms like “The Doris Day Show”, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “MASH”, and specialized in police and police dramas.
Most notably, the mainstay of Hollywood played Sgt. Kramer in “Columbus” and, between 1986 and 1991, played DA Bruce Rogoff in “LA Law”.
Bruce was seen on many beloved shows over the years, including “The Golden Girls”, “The Sopranos”, “The West Wing”, and ended his career with roles in “Numb3rs” and “Scrubs” in the 2000s.
Although he focused mainly on television roles, the artist hit the screen on several occasions, joining comedian Matt Dillon for the Oscar-winning film “Crash”.
Bruce also arrived on Broadway, where he played Uncle Ben in “Death of a Salesman” in 1984, starring Dustin Hoffman.
Bruce’s eldest son Bruno, who also had an avid acting career, lost his life to leukemia at age 57 in 2006.
Bruce left his second son, John, and his wife, Rosalyn, and led a highly acclaimed and distinguished career in Hollywood.