The actor passed away peacefully
at his home, his co-star Beverly Washburn confirmed to Fox News
By Lauryn Overhultz | Fox News
"Old Yeller" star Tommy
Kirk has died, Fox News can confirm. He was 79. Kirk's "Old Yeller"
co-star Beverly Washburn confirmed the actor passed away "peacefully"
at his home in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. "He was so loved,"
Washburn told Fox News in a statement. "Anybody who has ever met Tommy can
attest to the fact that he was so fan-friendly."
Kirk's long-time friend Paul
Peterson shared a tribute to the actor on Facebook. Peterson also pointed out
Kirk's love for his fans. "Please know that Tommy Kirk
loved you, his fans," Peterson wrote. "You lifted him up when an
Industry let him down in 1965."
Kirk had acting success, but got
his big break after being cast as Travis Coates in "Old Yeller." The
actor went on to star as Disney's go-to All-American teenager in a handful of
movies including "The Shaggy Dog" and "Swiss Family Robinson."
Kirk would be officially retired
from acting by 2006.Washburn, who also resides in Las
Vegas, and Kirk were set to participate in an upcoming "Old Yeller"
reunion.
