Celebrity acting coach John Kirby dies at 75 after ALS
John Kirby, a Hollywood actor and celebrity acting coach, died early Wednesday, July 15, at age 75, three years after an ALS diagnosis. Studio manager Nathan Nesbitt confirmed the news on Instagram. Kirby coached stars such as Jeff Bridges and Cameron Diaz and worked on major film and TV sets.
Key Takeaways
- John Kirby died July 15, 2026, at 75 after living with ALS since a 2023 diagnosis.
- Nathan Nesbitt, his acting studio manager and assistant of 22 years, confirmed the death on Instagram.
- Kirby coached high-profile actors and on-location productions for Disney, Universal, and Dimension.
- A public celebration of life is set for Aug. 15 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.
The loss lands hard across Hollywood casting rooms and sets, where Kirby's coaching shaped performances audiences still stream and watch on TV. For more industry alerts, follow Streaming & TV Alerts on BlasterPost.
Who was John Kirby in Hollywood?
Kirby was both an actor and one of Hollywood's most respected, sought-after acting coaches. He was the son of actor Bruce Kirby, known for "Columbo," and the brother of actor Bruno Kirby, known for "The Godfather" and "When Harry Met Sally."
Beyond private sessions, he coached on location for feature films and television. For Walt Disney Pictures, credits included "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Stick It," "Underdog," and "Prom." He also coached on Universal Pictures' "Peter Pan" and Dimension Films' "Scream 4."
How did John Kirby die, and what do we know about his ALS diagnosis?
According to Variety, Kirby died in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 15. He was first diagnosed with ALS in 2023 after about a year of noticing symptoms. A fall and broken hip led to that diagnosis.
Nesbitt said the news has been devastating for those close to Kirby as they try to cope. In a further statement, Nesbitt added that he cannot turn on a television or watch a film without recognizing someone Kirby coached, mentored, or influenced, calling his impact woven into Hollywood itself.
Which stars did John Kirby's celebrity acting coaching reach?
Kirby's students spanned film and television. Clients included Jeff Bridges, Jim Caviezel, Cameron Diaz, Chrissy Metz, Morris Chestnut, Judith Light, Renée Taylor, Jordin Sparks, Hillary Duff, Jeremy Sumpter, Lewis Tan, Frank Capra, Jessica Marie Garcia, Alyson Stoner, and "Chicago Fire" star Kara Killmer.
That reach helps explain why his death matters to viewers as much as to working actors: many familiar faces on streaming and network screens trained under his guidance.
Will there be a public memorial for John Kirby?
A celebration of life will be held Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. The gathering will be open to the public.