Actor Bruce Colby, of “Columbo” and “LA Law”, has died at the age of 95.
His son, John Kirby, confirmed his death in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“My father loved acting and, apart from his extraordinary professional career in television, film and theater, he never stopped working on it from his early years in New York on a scholarship with Lee Strasberg for 9 years, at the Theater East in Los Angeles and at The Actors Studio.
“It was very painful for him when he could no longer act. I am very glad that your wonderful work continues …
“He was a great father who loved Bruno and me and, as a family, he dedicated the tour to us in these professional Stock summer packages, something we would all look forward to every summer …
“I’m glad you’re up there with Bruno and so many of our loved ones.”
The American character actor began his illustrious career on screen in the 1950s, where he starred in the anthologies “Omnibus” and “Goodyear Playhouse”.
He made a leap into the 1960s when he starred in prominent roles on television favorites “The Patty Duke Show,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Car 54, Where Are You?” and “The Defenders.”
In the 70s and 80s, Bruce made the transition to sitcoms, including “The Doris Day Show,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “MASH,” and specialized in police and detective dramas.
The highlight is that the Hollywood pillar played Sgt. Kramer in “Columbus” and, between 1986 and 1991, played DA Bruce Rogoff in “LA Law.”
Bruce was seen in many beloved shows over the years, including “The Golden Girls”, “The Sopranos”, “The West Wing” and closed his career with roles in “Numb3rs” and “Scrubs” in the 2000s.
Although he focused primarily on television roles, the performer hit the big screen on several occasions, teaming up with comedian Matt Dillon to win the Oscar-winning film “Crash”.
Bruce also came to Broadway, where he played Uncle Ben in 1984’s “The Death of a Salesman,” with Dustin Hoffman.
Bruce’s eldest son, Bruno, who also led an avid acting career, lost his life to leukemia at the age of 57 in 2006.
Bruce is survived by his second son, John, and his wife, Rosalyn, and led an acclaimed and distinguished career in Hollywood.