John Kirby, Longtime Acting Coach to Jim Caviezel, Dies at 75
The coach behind films like 'Frequency' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo' passed away Wednesday after a three-year battle with ALS.
“I am here to officially, with a broken heart, announce the passing of our beloved John on the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 15, and it has been devastating for all of us, and we’re trying to just find a way to cope,”
John Kirby, an actor and longtime acting coach, has died at 75, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He passed away on Wednesday, July 15, three years after being diagnosed with ALS.
His death was confirmed on social media by his associate, Nathan Besbitt. In a post shared on Kirby's Instagram, Besbitt wrote, “I am here to officially, with a broken heart, announce the passing of our beloved John on the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 15, and it has been devastating for all of us, and we’re trying to just find a way to cope.”
Who was John Kirby's most famous client?
Kirby was best known for his extensive collaboration with actor Jim Caviezel. He served as Caviezel's acting coach on a series of films throughout the 2000s. Their work together began with the 2000 film Frequency and continued on projects including Pay It Forward, Angel Eyes, The Count of Monte Cristo, High Crimes, I Am David, and The Final Cut. Kirby also coached Caviezel for the 2009 miniseries The Prisoner.
What other projects did John Kirby work on?
Beyond his work with Caviezel, Kirby lent his coaching talents to a wide range of films. His additional credits include 2003’s Peter Pan, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Outlander, Hotel California, Scream 4, Stick It, and Prom.
What was John Kirby's family background?
Kirby came from a family deeply connected to Hollywood. His father was Bruce Kirby, an actor known for his role in The Muppet Movie. His brother was the late actor Bruno Kirby, who starred in films like City Slickers, Good Morning, Vietnam, and When Harry Met Sally….
What was the cause of John Kirby's death?
Kirby was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, on June 7, 2023, after experiencing symptoms for a year prior. The diagnosis came after a hard fall that resulted in a fractured hip the month before.
A celebration of life for John Kirby is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m. at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills. The service is open to the public. A GoFundMe page has been established for those wishing to contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALS?
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. It is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Was John Kirby an actor as well as a coach?
Yes, reports refer to him as both an actor and an acting coach. While his primary public work was as a coach, he came from an acting family and was involved in the industry in multiple capacities.
How can the public pay respects?
A public celebration of life is planned for August 15 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. For those who wish to offer support, a GoFundMe page has been set up in his memory.
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