Character actor Bruno Kirby dies

Kirby, who played Billy Crystal's best friend in When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers, died of complications related to leukaemia on Monday.

Born in New York City in 1949, he also appeared in The Godfather Part Two and Good Morning, Vietnam.

"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from Bruno's fans and colleagues," said his wife Lynn Sellers.

"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," she continued.

Godfather role

The actor made early appearances in the 1971 film Young Graduates and the TV show Room 222 before landing a role in the second Godfather film.

He played a young version of Corleone family member Pete Clemenza, following Richard Castellano's role in the first instalment.

Although he was best known for his comedy roles, he also made dramatic appearances alongside Johnny Depp in Donnie Brasco and Brad Pitt in Sleepers.

Kirby came from a Hollywood family. His father, Bruce, is an actor, who recently appeared in the Oscar-winning film Crash.

His brother, John, is a prominent acting coach in Los Angeles and worked on last year's Narnia film, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.