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Rest In Peace: 'HIGHLANDER' STAR STAN KIRSCH DEAD AT 51 AFTER SUICIDE
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'HIGHLANDER' STAR STAN KIRSCH
DEAD AT 51
AFTER SUICIDE
1/14/2020 7:17 AM PT
REMEMBERING STAN KIRSCH
LAUNCH GALLERY
Alamy
Stan Kirsch -- better known as Richie Ryan on the original "Highlander" TV series -- was found dead in his L.A. home.
Law enforcement sources confirm Stan's wife, Kristyn Green, found the actor hanging Saturday afternoon in their bathroom. Paramedics responded, but we're told he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stan had tons of acting credits, appearing on shows like "JAG," "General Hospital" and "Friends" ... in addition to his 6 seasons on "Highlander" in the mid-90s. However, he was also a renowned acting coach in Los Angeles.
A tribute to Stan on the show's official Facebook page said, "Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons."
Stan's episode on "Friends" was a memorable cameo as a guy dating Monica ... with a twist that probably wouldn't play as well, or as funny, these days.
Stan later found success as Lieutenant Ferrari on "JAG" ... appearing for 5 seasons.
He attended Duke University as a political science major but he had already dipped his toe in the acting world by then. He was 4 years old when he landed his first gig ... in a Campbell's Soup commercial.
Stan's wife posted about his death, saying ... "I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. I haven't been able to respond to all the texts, calls, emails -- but have read or listened to every single one of them. I feel surrounded by love and am forever grateful to each and every one of you."
Stan was 51.
RIP
DEAD AT 51
AFTER SUICIDE
1/14/2020 7:17 AM PT
REMEMBERING STAN KIRSCH
LAUNCH GALLERY
Alamy
Stan Kirsch -- better known as Richie Ryan on the original "Highlander" TV series -- was found dead in his L.A. home.
Law enforcement sources confirm Stan's wife, Kristyn Green, found the actor hanging Saturday afternoon in their bathroom. Paramedics responded, but we're told he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stan had tons of acting credits, appearing on shows like "JAG," "General Hospital" and "Friends" ... in addition to his 6 seasons on "Highlander" in the mid-90s. However, he was also a renowned acting coach in Los Angeles.
A tribute to Stan on the show's official Facebook page said, "Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons."
Stan's episode on "Friends" was a memorable cameo as a guy dating Monica ... with a twist that probably wouldn't play as well, or as funny, these days.
Stan later found success as Lieutenant Ferrari on "JAG" ... appearing for 5 seasons.
He attended Duke University as a political science major but he had already dipped his toe in the acting world by then. He was 4 years old when he landed his first gig ... in a Campbell's Soup commercial.
Stan's wife posted about his death, saying ... "I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. I haven't been able to respond to all the texts, calls, emails -- but have read or listened to every single one of them. I feel surrounded by love and am forever grateful to each and every one of you."
Stan was 51.
RIP
Stan Kirsch Dies: ‘Highlander: The Series’ Actor Was 51
By Greg Evans
Greg Evans
Associate Editor/Broadway Critic
@GregEvans5More Stories By Greg
January 14, 2020 9:10am
Stan KirschFacebook
Stan Kirsch, an actor who played the Immortal Richie Ryan for five seasons on the 1990s syndicated hit fantasy drama Highlander: The Series, died Jan. 11 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 51.
The cause of death was suicide, according to the L.A. County Medical Examiner’s Office.
His death was announced on the Facebook page of Stan Kirsch Studios, the Los Angeles acting studio he founded with his wife Kristyn Green in 2008. Green subsequently confirmed Kirsch’s death in a Facebook post thanking well-wishers (“I feel surrounded by love and am forever grateful to each and every one of you,” she wrote.)
Stan Kirsch, Adrian Paul, ‘Highlander’Shutterstock
In addition to his five-season role Highlander role (he later returned for a series finale appearance), Kirsch made appearances on JAG, Invincible, Family Law and, in perhaps his most memorable guest starring role, Friends.
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In the 1995 Friends episode “The One With The Ick Factor,” Kirsch played Ethan, Monica’s underage boyfriend (the high school senior had lied to Courteney Cox’s character about his age until after they’d had sex.)
Kirsch got his start in show business as a child actor in a 1972 Campbell’s Soup commercial, and 20 years later, after graduating from Duke University, was cast in an unsold TV pilot and on ABC’s General Hospital.
Notable Hollywood and Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020
Kirsch’s signature role soon followed when he was cast on the first season of Highlander; he played the often comic role of the youthful Immortal Richie Ryan for five seasons, and returned in the sixth season series finale.
The official Highlander Facebook page posted a tribute to Kirsch last night, stating, in part, “Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons.”
The tribute in full reads:
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch.
Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons.
Stan was at a disadvantage compared to other actors portraying immortals on the series. He was never able to have flashbacks from the 1800’s or discuss how things were ‘back in his day’. However, Stan turned this situation into an opportunity; providing one of the few portrayals on the show where a character gradually grew into a wise, skilled and self-assured individual from episode to episode. Stan even changed himself physically to show how Richie Ryan would survive in the world of the immortals.
Although Richie Ryan’s life was cut short on the show, there was little more to see; Richie Ryan had evolved into his own man, and it was Stan’s performance that made it true.
Beyond Highlander: The Series, Stan Kirsch was an accomplished acting coach. We have heard first-hand testimonials from many of his students; all of them having considered Stan an incredible teacher and a gift of a human being.
Every time we had the opportunity to catch up with Stan, he was nothing but kind, thoughtful and sincere. He was a warm presence that will be missed.
By Greg Evans
Greg Evans
Associate Editor/Broadway Critic
@GregEvans5More Stories By Greg
- Stan Kirsch Dies: ‘Highlander: The Series’ Actor Was 51
- Broadway Drops Holiday Weight: Thinner Roster Sees Box Office Down 28% To $31M
- Average Age For Broadway Attendees Isn’t Getting Any Younger, Says Report
January 14, 2020 9:10am
Stan KirschFacebook
Stan Kirsch, an actor who played the Immortal Richie Ryan for five seasons on the 1990s syndicated hit fantasy drama Highlander: The Series, died Jan. 11 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 51.
The cause of death was suicide, according to the L.A. County Medical Examiner’s Office.
His death was announced on the Facebook page of Stan Kirsch Studios, the Los Angeles acting studio he founded with his wife Kristyn Green in 2008. Green subsequently confirmed Kirsch’s death in a Facebook post thanking well-wishers (“I feel surrounded by love and am forever grateful to each and every one of you,” she wrote.)
Stan Kirsch, Adrian Paul, ‘Highlander’Shutterstock
In addition to his five-season role Highlander role (he later returned for a series finale appearance), Kirsch made appearances on JAG, Invincible, Family Law and, in perhaps his most memorable guest starring role, Friends.
RELATED STORY
Lan O'Kun Dies: Emmy-Winning Shari Lewis Collaborator, Screenwriter And Playwright Was 87
In the 1995 Friends episode “The One With The Ick Factor,” Kirsch played Ethan, Monica’s underage boyfriend (the high school senior had lied to Courteney Cox’s character about his age until after they’d had sex.)
Kirsch got his start in show business as a child actor in a 1972 Campbell’s Soup commercial, and 20 years later, after graduating from Duke University, was cast in an unsold TV pilot and on ABC’s General Hospital.
Notable Hollywood and Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020
Kirsch’s signature role soon followed when he was cast on the first season of Highlander; he played the often comic role of the youthful Immortal Richie Ryan for five seasons, and returned in the sixth season series finale.
The official Highlander Facebook page posted a tribute to Kirsch last night, stating, in part, “Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons.”
The tribute in full reads:
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch.
Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons.
Stan was at a disadvantage compared to other actors portraying immortals on the series. He was never able to have flashbacks from the 1800’s or discuss how things were ‘back in his day’. However, Stan turned this situation into an opportunity; providing one of the few portrayals on the show where a character gradually grew into a wise, skilled and self-assured individual from episode to episode. Stan even changed himself physically to show how Richie Ryan would survive in the world of the immortals.
Although Richie Ryan’s life was cut short on the show, there was little more to see; Richie Ryan had evolved into his own man, and it was Stan’s performance that made it true.
Beyond Highlander: The Series, Stan Kirsch was an accomplished acting coach. We have heard first-hand testimonials from many of his students; all of them having considered Stan an incredible teacher and a gift of a human being.
Every time we had the opportunity to catch up with Stan, he was nothing but kind, thoughtful and sincere. He was a warm presence that will be missed.
STAN KIRSCH, RICHARD H. RYAN IN HIGHLANDER TV SHOW, PASSES AWAY AT 51
Contributed by
Josh Weiss
@JoshuaHWeiss
Jan 14, 2020
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Tag:Movies
Tag:TV
Tag:News
Tag:Obituary
Tag:Highlander
Stan Kirsch, the actor best-known for playing Richard "Richie" H. Ryan in the Highlander TV series from the 1990s, has sadly passed away at the age of 51. News of his death was confirmed via Kirsch's Facebook page. For the next two weeks, Stan Kirsch Studios (the acting studio Kirsch co-founded with his wife, Kristyn Green, more than a decade ago) will remain closed.
"Dear friends," reads the post, which was most likely written by Green. "We tragically lost our beloved Stan Kirsch on [Saturday] January 11th. We will be closed for the next 2 weeks as we process and grieve. He was so loved and we are all just devastated. Thank you for your understanding and respecting our privacy during this incredibly difficult time."
While Kirsch's acting career began in the early 1960s, he didn't have a major recurring role until Highlander: The Series, which was based on the 1986 feature film of the same name. His character of Richie Ryan was an Immortal, beings who can live indefinitely unless their heads part company with their bodies. Highlander's small screen adaptation ran for an impressive 119 episodes across six seasons between 1992 and 1998. Kirsch appeared in every single season.
"I saw the movie and I was VASTLY impressed, and I thought 'Oh my god, I'm gonna be part of THIS world!'" Kirsch said during a podcast from two years ago. "And, and knowing that Christopher Lambert was gonna be IN the pilot, that was incredible... incredibly exciting. I mean, he... As such a talented, unbelievable actor to watch right up close, and such a nice guy, on top of it. He was just great."
The Highlander Facebook page also penned a tribute to Kirsch, saying:
"Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons ... Although Richie Ryan’s life was cut short on the show, there was little more to see; Richie Ryan had evolved into his own man, and it was Stan’s performance that made it true."
Stan also appeared in projects like Friends, JAG, and Invincible.
Contributed by
Josh Weiss
@JoshuaHWeiss
Jan 14, 2020
Share This Post
0
Shared
Tag:Movies
Tag:TV
Tag:News
Tag:Obituary
Tag:Highlander
Stan Kirsch, the actor best-known for playing Richard "Richie" H. Ryan in the Highlander TV series from the 1990s, has sadly passed away at the age of 51. News of his death was confirmed via Kirsch's Facebook page. For the next two weeks, Stan Kirsch Studios (the acting studio Kirsch co-founded with his wife, Kristyn Green, more than a decade ago) will remain closed.
"Dear friends," reads the post, which was most likely written by Green. "We tragically lost our beloved Stan Kirsch on [Saturday] January 11th. We will be closed for the next 2 weeks as we process and grieve. He was so loved and we are all just devastated. Thank you for your understanding and respecting our privacy during this incredibly difficult time."
While Kirsch's acting career began in the early 1960s, he didn't have a major recurring role until Highlander: The Series, which was based on the 1986 feature film of the same name. His character of Richie Ryan was an Immortal, beings who can live indefinitely unless their heads part company with their bodies. Highlander's small screen adaptation ran for an impressive 119 episodes across six seasons between 1992 and 1998. Kirsch appeared in every single season.
"I saw the movie and I was VASTLY impressed, and I thought 'Oh my god, I'm gonna be part of THIS world!'" Kirsch said during a podcast from two years ago. "And, and knowing that Christopher Lambert was gonna be IN the pilot, that was incredible... incredibly exciting. I mean, he... As such a talented, unbelievable actor to watch right up close, and such a nice guy, on top of it. He was just great."
The Highlander Facebook page also penned a tribute to Kirsch, saying:
"Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons ... Although Richie Ryan’s life was cut short on the show, there was little more to see; Richie Ryan had evolved into his own man, and it was Stan’s performance that made it true."
Stan also appeared in projects like Friends, JAG, and Invincible.
too soon.... but I almost laughed. I'm sure any Highlander fan will remember that scene when Richie and Duncan's woman got "killed" and Duncan sat there mourning her and waiting for Richie to come back, and when he sat up, he just said "we need to talk". Edit... it was "watch your head"
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Richie Ryan (Highlander) - Wikipedia
Did he die or did someone inherit his powers
There can be only one
"There can be only one" is the belief and motto among the immortals in the original Highlander film, its sequels and spin-offs. It implies that all immortals must fight and kill one another until only one remains standing; this "one" shall receive The Prize. Connor MacLeod first heard these...
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