Who will Billy Crystal talk sports and relationships with now?
Bruno Kirby, who saddled up alongside Crystal in City Slickers and played the funnyman's other other half in When Harry Met Sally..., died of leukemia Monday in Los Angeles. He was 57.
"What a terrible loss," said Crystal in a statement. "I send my condolences to his family."
Kirby had recently been diagnosed with the disease, according to a statement released by his wife of two years, actress Lynn Sellers.
"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from Bruno's fans and colleagues who have admired and respected his work over the past 30 years," Sellers said. "Bruno's spirit will continue to live on not only in his rich body of film and television work, but also through the lives of individuals he has touched throughout his life."
Just a few weeks ago, Kirby took a memorable turn on Entourage, playing a producer who becomes bedridden with grief after his Shrek doll is stolen.
The New York native, born Apr. 28, 1949, will also most certainly be remembered for teaming up with Robert De Niro in 1974 to, among other things, steal a rug. Kirby had a handful of acting credits to his name when he was cast as a fresh-faced Clemenza in The Godfather Part II, in which he asks a young Don Corleone to stash a few guns for him and then pays him back by helping him cart off a fancy carpet while its owner is away.
Kirby worked steadily in TV and film throughout his career, standing out even in smaller roles in films such as This Is Spinal Tap, Good Morning, Vietnam, The Freshman, Sleepers and Donnie Brasco. He did guest spots on Frasier, Homicide: Life on the Street and Mad About You, and played Manson Family prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi in the 2004 remake of Helter Skelter.
In 1989 Kirby shared good-natured banter with Crystal while playing Harry's know-it-all writer pal Jess--who luckily found Meg Ryan's Sally not at all attractive--in When Harry Met Sally...
"He was as great to work with as his work was great to watch," said Carrie Fisher, who played Kirby's onscreen wife in the film. "I am still reeling from the news that he was taken from us so early, and he will be sorely missed."
Kirby again took on the role of Crystal sidekick in 1991's City Slickers. He played a commitment-wary sporting goods salesman who just needed a week of driving cattle across the plains with his best friends to help him solve some of his issues.
Kirby is survived by his wife; his father, actor Bruce Kirby; and his brother, acting coach John Kirby.