“General Hospital” alum Stan Kirsch, who’s also known for her role of Richie Ryan on “Highlander,” was found dead at his Los Angeles Home last Saturday, January 11. The death of the 51-year-old actor was ruled as a suicide.
Like many Hollywood stars, Stan got his first acting break on a soap opera, General Hospital. Before going on to become a household name, he appeared on GH as “Carl.”
Kirsch’s Wife Responds To The News
Kirsch’s wife and co-founder of Stan Kirsch Studios, Kristyn Green, addressed the news on a Facebook post.
“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.”
Kirsch starred on “Highlander: The Series” for five seasons. His character, Ryan, was thief turned immortal. His character was killed off the show before the sixth and final season back in 1997. The TV series also paid tribute to the former actor on their official Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch,” it said.
“He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons,” the post read.
“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 post said.
The post also went on to say that Stan was at a disadvantage during that time but he took things as an opportunity and helped the character grow.
“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,” the post continued.
Kirsch’s Career
Kirsch started acting when he was a young child. He landed his first acting job at the age of 4 in the TV commercials for Campbell’s soup. His other acting credits include “Jag,” “Family Law,” and “Friends.”
He made his debut as a producer and director with the movie “Straight Eye: The Movie” in 2004. He founded his own acting studio together with his wife in 2008. Recently, Kirsch was an acting coach in Los Angeles and ran an acting studio in Hollywood with his wife, Kristyn.
