‘Shallow Hal' actor Rene Kirby dies at 70 following health complications linked to Spina Bifida
According to Seven Days, Kirby passed away on July 11 at the University of Vermont Medical Center following a two-month hospitalization due to complications related to his esophagus, kidneys, and bladder.
Born with spina bifida, a congenital condition in which the spine and spinal cord don't develop properly, Kirby lived his entire life without the use of his legs. Despite this, he embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in activities such as hand-cycling, skiing, and gymnastics. He also had a two-decade career at IBM and enjoyed online stock trading in recent years.
Kirby was cast in two Farrelly Brothers films: Shallow Hal, where he portrayed Walt, a character who also had spina bifida, and Stuck on You (2003), starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear. In 2005, he made a guest appearance in HBO's Carnivàle as Hoppy in the episode 'The Road to Damascus.'
In a 2008 episode of Seven Days' web series Stuck in Vermont, Kirby spoke candidly about living with his condition. 'I've never thought of myself as disabled,' he said, referring to himself humorously as 'a gimp without a wimp.'
Kirby also survived throat cancer in recent years, though the treatment required the removal of his larynx, leaving him unable to speak. His brother Jon Kirby noted that Rene had not ridden his bike since the previous fall due to declining mobility.
Rene Kirby is survived by his mother and six siblings. His father passed away three years ago.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pedro Pascal reveals emotional connection with Vanessa Kirby during Fantastic Four filming
Pedro Pascal has opened up about his strong connection with co-star Vanessa Kirby, developed while working together on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In a recent interview on Jake's Take with host Jake Hamilton, Pascal candidly discussed how their off-screen friendship and mutual support played a significant role during the production of the film. When asked about their visible closeness and support during public appearances, Pascal confirmed their bond by sharing, 'We're always holding hands when we're off carpet, by the way.' He revealed that Kirby, who was cast in the film before him, had personally advocated for his involvement. 'I was, one, incredibly grateful; two, a huge fan,' Pascal said, emphasizing how much her early support meant to him. The actor went on to explain that their connection stems from a shared emotional and creative understanding. 'We really, really see each other in ourselves,' he said. 'Our care for what we do, our care for one another, and our mutual fears and expectations.' He acknowledged that both he and Kirby can be critical of themselves and that their similarities helped them build a reassuring on-set dynamic. Describing the high-pressure atmosphere of working on a major project like Fantastic Four, Pascal noted that having someone to lean on made the experience easier to navigate. 'When you're thrown into very heightened environments,' he explained, 'we're always grabbing onto one another to remind each other that we're not alone in any of it.' Pascal concluded that their bond helped him manage the balance of excitement and fear that comes with such large-scale productions. His comments provide insight into the supportive relationships that can develop behind the scenes of high-profile films.
Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Vanessa Kirby says playing Sue Storm in 'Fantastic Four' prepared her for motherhood before first baby
Vanessa Kirby has shared how playing Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: The First Steps prepared her for motherhood as she expects her first baby. Speaking with People, Kirby reflected on her character, saying, 'Sue was never sat down. She was never huffing and puffing about it.' She noted that the character is expecting a baby in the new Marvel Studios film while facing the threat of Galactus. 'It didn't define who she was,' Kirby said. 'She was absolutely a mother, and of course, in the comics, that's so definitively her. But she's also been a team member that defends, that goes up against great threats.' Kirby added, 'I literally had the lived experience of somebody who was doing this incredibly sacred thing and fulfilling what she needed to do at the same time as a woman and a team member, and that changed me.' Set in retro-futuristic 1960s, the film features Kirby alongside Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The team faces the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, and the planet-eating Galactus. Kirby announced her pregnancy in May. She is currently in a relationship with retired lacrosse player Paul Rabil. The Fantastic Four: The First Steps is scheduled for release on July 24.
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Express Tribune
‘Shallow Hal' actor Rene Kirby dies at 70 following health complications linked to Spina Bifida
Rene Kirby, the actor best known for his role in the 2001 Farrelly Brothers comedy Shallow Hal, has died at the age of 70. According to Seven Days, Kirby passed away on July 11 at the University of Vermont Medical Center following a two-month hospitalization due to complications related to his esophagus, kidneys, and bladder. Born with spina bifida, a congenital condition in which the spine and spinal cord don't develop properly, Kirby lived his entire life without the use of his legs. Despite this, he embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in activities such as hand-cycling, skiing, and gymnastics. He also had a two-decade career at IBM and enjoyed online stock trading in recent years. Kirby was cast in two Farrelly Brothers films: Shallow Hal, where he portrayed Walt, a character who also had spina bifida, and Stuck on You (2003), starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear. In 2005, he made a guest appearance in HBO's Carnivàle as Hoppy in the episode 'The Road to Damascus.' In a 2008 episode of Seven Days' web series Stuck in Vermont, Kirby spoke candidly about living with his condition. 'I've never thought of myself as disabled,' he said, referring to himself humorously as 'a gimp without a wimp.' Kirby also survived throat cancer in recent years, though the treatment required the removal of his larynx, leaving him unable to speak. His brother Jon Kirby noted that Rene had not ridden his bike since the previous fall due to declining mobility. Rene Kirby is survived by his mother and six siblings. His father passed away three years ago.
