Who Is Tommy Kirk? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tommy Kirk was born on December 10, 1941, and sadly passed away on September 28, 2021. He was an American actor renowned for his roles in several classic Disney films in the 1960s. Kirk’s performances in films like "Old Yeller" and "The Shaggy Dog" have cemented his legacy in cinematic history. His early start in the film industry led to a successful acting career during his teenage years, making him a beloved figure in children’s entertainment.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1941 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 September, 2021 |
| Died Place | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Popularity
Tommy Kirk's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tommy Kirk stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintained a weight of around 150 pounds (68 kg) during his active years in cinema. His athletic build and youthful appearance contributed to his roles as the charming and adventurous youth in various family movies.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Tommy Kirk cherished his relationship with family and friends. Although he was publicly known to have relationships, specifics regarding a long-term boyfriend or girlfriend have remained largely private. Kirk identified as gay, which was a significant aspect of his personal life that shaped his experiences in Hollywood. Known for his warmth and charisma, he often spoke fondly of his close-knit relationships within the industry.
Thomas Lee Kirk (December 10, 1941 − September 28, 2021) was an American actor, best known for his performances in films made by Walt Disney Studios such as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, The Absent-Minded Professor, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, as well as the beach party films of the mid-1960s.
He frequently appeared as a love interest for Annette Funicello or as part of a family with Kevin Corcoran as his younger brother and Fred MacMurray as his father.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Tommy Kirk's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. This wealth was accumulated over his extensive career in films and television, alongside various endorsements and appearances. However, the specific salary figures from his roles were not disclosed to the public.
In 1954, Kirk accompanied his elder brother Joe to an audition for a production of Eugene O'Neill's Ah, Wilderness! at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California. "Joe was star struck," said Kirk. Joe was not cast, losing out to Bobby Driscoll, but Tommy was, and he made his stage debut opposite Will Rogers Jr.
"It was five lines, it didn't pay anything, and nobody else showed up, so I got the part," recalled Kirk.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kirk began his career in the early 1950s, transitioning from television to cinema. His roles in family-oriented films with Disney played a crucial part in shaping the Disney brand during that era. After moving away from Disney, he took on a variety of roles in independent films and television series, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Beyond acting, Kirk dabbled in business ventures, although specific details about his investments or entrepreneurial activities were not extensively reported.
Kirk's career with Disney ended when news of his homosexuality threatened to become public. He struggled with drug addiction and depression for several years, appearing in a series of low-budget films before leaving the acting business in the mid-1970s.
Kirk opened a carpet cleaning business and lived a mostly ordinary life, occasionally appearing at fan conventions. He died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September 2021, aged 79.
Social Network
Tommy Kirk maintained a relatively low-profile presence on social media networks. He used platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to connect with fans, sharing anecdotes from his career and personal life. His heartfelt messages and interactions with followers highlighted the importance he placed on maintaining relationships with those who supported his work.
Kirk's career received its biggest break yet when, in January 1957, Disney cast him as Travis Coates in Old Yeller (1957), an adventure story about a boy and his heroic dog. Kirk had the lead role in the film, a success at the box-office, and he became Disney's first choice whenever they needed someone to play an all-American teenager.
Kevin Corcoran played his younger brother and the two of them were often cast as brothers. Later that year, Kirk and Corcoran were announced for the cast of The Rainbow Road to Oz, a feature film based on the stories of L. Frank Baum, but this film was never produced.
Education
Kirk attended high school in Los Angeles, where he developed an interest in drama and performance. Although he gained significant fame as a young actor, he remained committed to personal growth and education throughout his life. His experiences working in the industry served as an education in itself, providing him with invaluable insights into the world of acting and entertainment.
In conclusion, Tommy Kirk remains an iconic figure in American cinema, remembered not only for his contributions to film but also for his genuine spirit and personal journey throughout his life. His legacy continues to resonate with fans old and new, making him a cherished memory in the history of entertainment.
Kirk followed up with a secondary role in a fantasy comedy starring Fred MacMurray, The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), another huge hit. Disney sent Kirk to England for The Horsemasters (1961), a youth-oriented horse riding film, which was made for U.S. television, but screened theatrically in some markets.
He appeared once more with Munro and Funicello. That same year, Kirk played the support role of Grumio in the fairy tale fantasy Babes in Toyland, supporting Funicello, Ray Bolger, Ed Wynn and Tommy Sands. Kirk later described this film as "sort of a clunker ... but it has a few cute moments, it's an oddity", and enjoyed working with Ed Wynn.
It was a box-office disappointment; so too was Moon Pilot (1962), a satirical comedy where Kirk played the younger brother of Tom Tryon.
