Tommy Kirk
Acting
Biography
Thomas Lee Kirk (December 10, 1941 − September 28, 2021) was an American actor, best known for his performances in films made by Walt Disney Studios such as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, The Absent-Minded Professor, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, as well as the beach party films of the mid-1960s. He frequently appeared as a love interest for Annette Funicello or as part of a family with Kevin Corcoran as his younger brother and Fred MacMurray as his father. Kirk's career with Disney ended when news of his homosexuality threatened to become public. He struggled with drug addiction and depression for several years, appearing in a series of low-budget films before leaving the acting business in the mid-1970s. Kirk opened a carpet cleaning business and lived a mostly ordinary life, occasionally appearing at fan conventions. He died at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September 2021, aged 79.
Born: December 10, 1941
Place of Birth: Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Known For
The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure
Frank and Joe Hardy are the sons of Fenton Hardy, a famous private detective. Finding everyday life at home in Bayport dull, the boys hope their father will let them work on one of his cases. Disappointed when he tells them his work is too dangerous for children, they are more determined than ever to follow in their dad's footsteps, and solve mysteries.
The Hardy Boys
The sons of the great detective Fenton Hardy, Frank and Joe are eager to impress their father with their mystery solving skills.
Disney's Greatest Dog Stars
This installment looks at the dogs who have starred in Disney films, past and present. The program ends with a preview of the upcoming theatrical film The Shaggy D.A., in which host Dean Jones just happens to star. The program also features a song called "Hollywood Hound", written by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn. The program reaired in 1981, updated to promote The Fox and the Hound. Another version was released on home video overseas in the 1980s.
The Wonderful World of Disney
The Wonderful World of Disney
Walt Disney Productions has produced an anthology television series under several different titles since 1954. The original version of the series premiered on ABC, Wednesday night, October 27, 1954. The show, which was hosted by Walt Disney until his death and then from 1996 to 2002 by then-CEO Michael Eisner (with one-off hosts or no hosts during other periods) has since aired continually as either a weekly program or an irregular series of specials on several networks and streaming services, most recently on ABC and Disney+. The show is the second longest showing prime-time program on American television, behind its rival, Hallmark Hall of Fame. However, Hallmark Hall of Fame was a weekly program only during its first five seasons, while Disney remained a weekly program for more than forty years.
The Wonderful World of Disney
Walt Disney Productions has produced an anthology television series under several different titles since 1954. The original version of the series premiered on ABC, Wednesday night, October 27, 1954. The show, which was hosted by Walt Disney until his death and then from 1996 to 2002 by then-CEO Michael Eisner (with one-off hosts or no hosts during other periods) has since aired continually as either a weekly program or an irregular series of specials on several networks and streaming services, most recently on ABC and Disney+. The show is the second longest showing prime-time program on American television, behind its rival, Hallmark Hall of Fame. However, Hallmark Hall of Fame was a weekly program only during its first five seasons, while Disney remained a weekly program for more than forty years.
The Wonderful World of Disney
Walt Disney Productions has produced an anthology television series under several different titles since 1954. The original version of the series premiered on ABC, Wednesday night, October 27, 1954. The show, which was hosted by Walt Disney until his death and then from 1996 to 2002 by then-CEO Michael Eisner (with one-off hosts or no hosts during other periods) has since aired continually as either a weekly program or an irregular series of specials on several networks and streaming services, most recently on ABC and Disney+. The show is the second longest showing prime-time program on American television, behind its rival, Hallmark Hall of Fame. However, Hallmark Hall of Fame was a weekly program only during its first five seasons, while Disney remained a weekly program for more than forty years.
The Wrecking Crew
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew." a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Bing Crosby.
The Streets of San Francisco
Two police officers, the older Lt. Stone and the young upstart Inspector Keller, investigate murders and other serious crimes in San Francisco. Stone would become a second father to Keller as he learned the rigors and procedures of detective work.
The Horsemasters
American students are having a difficult time at a prestigious English riding school. Dinah Wilcox is overly cautious because of memories of an accident, but Danny Grant gives her confidence. The strict, but admired, instructor fears she must sell her favorite horse because of school tradition, but the students end up taking up a collection to buy it back for her.
Filmography
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
as Self
as Self (archive)
as Albert Kornfield
as Blind Monk
as Mr. Kenner
as Passenger
as Frank Phillips
as Wilby Daniels (uncredited)
as Roland Claridge
as Captain Gregory Shank
as Wayne Thomas
as Dop - Martian Fellow #1 / Mr. Fast - Seattle Sun Reporter
as Bobby Goodwin
as Lt. Cross
as Don Pringle
as Mike / Herbert Samson
as Ted
as Chuck Phillips
as Malcolm Andrews
as Mike
as Merlin Jones
as Go Go
as Merlin Jones
as Tod Seaton
as Travis Coates
as Biff Hawk
as Tommy Carpenter
as Elliott Willard
as Walter Talbot
as Self
as Grumio
as Danny Grant
as Biff Hawk
as Ernst
as Self
as Wilby Daniels
as Travis Coates
as Joe Hardy
as Joe Hardy
as Self
as Jerry Pitcher
as Tom Morrison
as Biff Hawk (archive footage)
as Danny Grant
as Alvin Simms
as Mark Seaton