logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Disney Child Star Tommy Kirk Dead at 79

Junie Sihlangu
Oct 04, 2021
07:10 A.M.

In a sad turn of events, Hollywood iconic Tommy Kirk has passed away. His friend, Paul Petersen II, broke the news this week and shared the circumstances of the star’s death.

Advertisement

According to Paul Petersen II, Tommy Kirk’s longtime friend, the star sadly passed away on September 28, 2021. In a Facebook post, Peterson II revealed that the actor was discovered lifeless during the night.

He confessed that “The Shaggy Dog” had been a very private person. The actor had lived by himself in Las Vegas, close to Bev Washburn – Kirk’s friend and “Old Yeller” co-star.

A portrait of a young Tommy Kirk in the 1960s | Photo: Film Favorites/Getty Images

A portrait of a young Tommy Kirk in the 1960s | Photo: Film Favorites/Getty Images

Washburn was the one who called Petersen II to inform him of Kirk’s death at age 79. Petersen II revealed how the late actor had been estranged from his remaining family and was openly gay.

He also noted how he and others had become Kirk’s family and would care for his funeral service. Addressing the star’s fans, Petersen II told them that the late actor had loved them.

Advertisement
James Dobson inspects a car while Tommy Kirk watches in a scene from the film "Track of Thunder" in 1967 | Photo: United Artists/Getty Images

James Dobson inspects a car while Tommy Kirk watches in a scene from the film "Track of Thunder" in 1967 | Photo: United Artists/Getty Images

He shared how Kirk’s friends had lifted him at a time when the industry let him down in 1965. However, the star’s friend made it clear the actor was bitter and found comfort in the church, concluding:

“May God have mercy on his soul.”

Advertisement

Kirk began his acting career as a teenager after his family moved from Kentucky to California. His first television appearance was in the 1950s in episodes of “Big Town” and “Gunsmoke.”

[Tommy] Kirk later admitted that he struggled with drug addiction...

From 1956 to 1957, he starred in “The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Ghost Farm” and “The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure.” In 1957, he featured in the movie “Old Yeller” as Travis Coates.

Advertisement

Kirk also appeared in “The Shaggy Dog” and “Swiss Family Robinson,” which aired in 1960. During the 1960s, he starred in a couple of films like “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” and “The Absent-Minded Professor.”

He also had a role in the movie’s sequel “Son of Flubber.” Kirk came out as gay in 1973 in an interview. Twenty years later, the star confessed he’d realized his sexual orientation at 17 or 18.

In a 1993 interview with Filmax Magazine, Kirk alleged that his acting career was destroyed by him coming out as gay. After his Disney contract was taken from him, the late star signed up with AIP.

Under the new contract, he featured in “How to Stuff a Wild Bikini” and “Pajama Party” before his career died off. Kirk later admitted that he struggled with drug addiction. Despite his issues, he was named a Disney legend in 2006.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Сops Can’t Find Boy Who Didn’t Return from School, Week Later Dog Brings Mom His Backpack – Story of the Day

November 14, 2023

Сops Can’t Trace Boy Who Didn’t Return from School, Week Later Dog Brings Mom His Backpack – Story of the Day

January 18, 2024

Amanda Moore Is Tommy Davidson’s Wife Who Owns a Business

January 24, 2024

Famous Actor Hid Affair with This Ex-firefighter for 38 Years - Star Stayed with Him at Hawaii Ranch until His Death

February 26, 2024

Famous Actor Hid Affair with This Ex-firefighter for 38 Years - Star Stayed with Him at Hawaii Ranch until His Death

February 26, 2024

Pamela Anderson’s ‘Miracle’ Sons, One of Whom ‘Looks like Johnny Depp,’ Saved Her — Pics of Her Young Men Now

November 21, 2023

Marie-France Ward Once Filed for Divorce from Actor Fred Ward: Inside Their Relationship

December 10, 2023

Kirk Cameron Shares Being 'So Proud' of Daughter Now Expecting His First Grandchild - Details

January 09, 2024

Henry Cavill Is Not Gay & Does Not Mind 'Coming across as Homosexual'

November 20, 2023

Joanne Woodward Turns 94: Inside Her Private Life after Retreating from Public Eye Due to Alzheimer's

February 29, 2024

Diana Lasso Is Wayne Brady’s First Wife Whom He Described as ‘A Great Person’

December 22, 2023

‘DWTS’ Judge Derek Hough's Wife, 27, Urgently Taken to Hospital - He Speaks Out, Asking for Prayers

December 08, 2023

Ryan Gosling Never Appears with Partner & Mom of His 2 Kids Anymore — Inside Their Decision

January 17, 2024

Tommy Zizzo Is Erika Jayne’s Son Who Is an LAPD Graduate

December 24, 2023