'Shallow Hal' Actor Rene Kirby Dead At 70

Screen Geek

01-08-2025

Actor Rene Kirby only played a handful of characters throughout his career, though his performances were quite memorable, including his appearance as Walt in 2001's Shallow Hal . Sadly, however, it's been confirmed that Rene Kirby has died at age 70.
It's been shared via Variety that Kirby passed away on July 11 in Burlington, Vermont. The outlet, as shared by Kirby's brother Jon with Seven Days, added 'that Kirby had died at the University of Vermont Medical Center.'
The outlet adds that Kirby was dealing with a number of health issues prior to his death:
'Kirby was hospitalized for two months with kidney, bladder and esophagus issues, as well as multiple infections. Kirby had previously survived throat cancer, but lost the ability to speak after the removal of his larynx.'
Kirby had a number of health issues prior to this time, however, including spina bifida which Variety notes 'causes scoliosis, leg paralysis, and difficulty walking.' After his appearance in Shallow Hal , Kirby appeared in 2003's Stuck on You and an episode of the TV series Carnivàle .
Rene Kirby has might not have had a large acting career, but the few roles he did play were quite memorable and have stuck in the minds of viewers for decades. While it's unfortunate that he had to suffer through so many health issues, at the very least fans will remember him for his work.
It all started when Me, Myself and Irene director Peter Farelly spotted Kirby while shooting the film in 1999. After meeting Kirby, Farelly decided he would be perfect to play Walt in the movie Shallow Hal which starred Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black. The other movie that Kirby appeared in, Stuck on You , was another picture made by the Farrelly brothers. Carnivàle , on the other hand, was a TV series which saw Kirby play the character Hoppy for one episode.
Kirby is survived by his mother as well as six siblings.