Bruno Kirby

Billy Crystal and Bruno Kirby in When Harry Met Sally.

Bruno Kirby died Monday, August 15th, 2006 from leukemia. He was 57. Kirby never starred in a movie, of note, but he made significant supporting contributions to some great films.

He made his screen acting debut in 1971's Young Graduates. Throughout the 1970's he appeared in numerous television shows including the pilot episode to M*A*S*H. In 1972's The Super, Kirby played the son of Richard S. Castellano, who played Pete Clemenza in The Godfather (1972). In 1974, Bruno Kirby played the young Pete Clemenza in The Godfather II.

In the 1980's his career hit it’s stride. He had a supporting role in Rob Reiner’s cult classic This is Spinal Tap(1984). In 1987 he played Robin William's polka music loving, nemesis in Good Morning Vietnam. In it, he objects to William’s DJ playing Rock and Roll music. “Furthermore, you are to stick to playing normal modes of music, not weird stuff. Those who we'd find acceptable here would include Lawrence Welk, Jim Nabors, Mantovani...” Kirby instructs him. Williams then interjects, “Percy Faith.” To which Kirby continues, “ Percy Faith... good!... Andy Williams, Perry Como, and certain ballads by Mr. Frank Sinatra.”

In 1989, Bruno Kirby played second banana to Billy Crystal in the greatest romantic comedy ever made, When Harry Met Sally. In it, he made the most of such lines as, “You made a woman meow?” and “Baby fish mouth!” That same year he again worked with his co-star from The Godfather II, Robert De Niro, in We’re No Angels.

In 1991, Kirby re-teamed with his friend Billy Crystal for City Slickers. Their friendship in real life works to their advantage on screen. After Helen Slater tells Crystal good night, he dismisses it as nothing, “That was "have a pleasant and restful evening."” to which Kirby disagrees, “No, that was "I like your ass. Can I wear it as a hat?"” Their friendship would come to an end and Kirby would not return for the sequel.

He continued playing supporting roles in good movies. He played a comic in 1992's Hoffa. He again worked with Deniro in 1996's Sleepers. He had a role in another Godfather alumni’s movie, Donnie Brasco starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. In 1999, he lent his voice to a mouse pretending to be Michael J Fox’s father in Stuart Little.

He continued acting and was last seen in a role on HBO’s The Entourage. He was married, but had no children.