Bruno Kirby was a reliable character actor who worked a lot but never found the type of breakout role that would lead to major character star status ala Brian Dennehy. He came closest with his beautifully subtle performance as the young Clemenza in The Godfather Part II. When I learned that the 57-year-old actor had died, I thought of one of his earliest roles in one of my favorite movies, Cinderella Liberty (1973). It is an offbeat romance about a sailor (James Caan) stuck in dry dock who romances a hooker with lousy taste in men (Marsha Mason), Kirby was hilarious as the world’s most boring member of the Shore Patrol, fascinated by the sound of his own voice. Bad enough Caan is stuck playing cop for a night, but with this jerk in tow? You understand why he tells Mason’s troubled young son (Kirk Calloway) to join them on patrol, “Because I need some intelligent conversation.”
Bruno Kirby, who also was credited early in his career as B. Kirby, Jr. was the son of another hard working character actor Bruce Kirby, Sr., whose career stretches back to live TV dramas from the 1950s through Crash (as Matt Dillon’s father). Bruno’s other film roles include When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, Good Morning, Vietnam, Tin Man, Between the Lines and This Is Spinal Tap.

Quick Note
The Eagles beat the Cowboys 38-24, but did they have to give fans a heart attack in the process? After that win that turned unto a loss against the Giants, I never feel like the Birds have the game in hand. Oh, well, it makes for an exciting game day every week.