Sept. 29 (UPI) — Tommy Kirk, who acted in a series of family films as a child in the ’50s and ’60s, died Tuesday in his Las Vegas, Nev. home. He was 79.
Actor Paul Petersen II first shared the news on Facebook. TMZ confirmed with law enforcement.
Neighbor Bev Washburn, who co-starred with Kirk in the movie Old Yeller, notified Petersen. Kirk played a boy who befriended the title dog in the 1957 tear-jerker.
Born Dec. 10, 1941, Kirk also appeared in films The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, The Absent Minded Professor and its sequel, Son of Flubber.
Kirk continued to act in film and television regularly until 1975’s My Name Is Legend. His last credit was the 2001 horror film, The Education of a Vampire.
Petersen wrote that Kirk lived alone and was estranged from his blood relatives because he was gay. Petersen said he and Kirk’s friends would handle final arrangements.
“Please know that Tommy Kirk loved you, his fans,” Petersen wrote. “You lifted him up when an Industry let him down in 1965. He was not bitter. His church comforted him.”
Melvin Van Peebles
Cast member Melvin Van Peebles attends the premiere of “Peeples” in Los Angeles on May 8, 2013. The influential filmmaker and actor died on September 22 at the age of 89. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Willie Garson
Willie Garson attends the People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles on January 9, 2013. The actor, best known for his role in “Sex and the City,” died of cancer on September 21 at the age of 57. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald, known for “Saturday Night Live,” “Billy Madison,” and “Norm,” died after a private battle with cancer on September 14 at the age of 61. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Michael Constantine
Michael Constantine arrives for the premiere of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” in New York City on March 15, 2016. The actor, best known for his roles in the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” films, died on September 9 at the age of 94. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Michael K. Williams
Michael K. Williams arrives for the Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 22, 2019. The five-time Emmy nominee, known for his roles in “The Wire” and “Lovecraft Country,” died on September 6 at the age of 54. Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Sarah Harding
British pop group Girls Aloud, including Sarah Harding, second-right, attend the premiere of “St Trinian’s” in London on December 10, 2007. Harding died on September 5 after a battle with breast cancer at the age of 39. Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
Jean Paul Belmondo
Jean Paul Belmondo watches the French Open men’s semifinal match June 8, 2018. The French actor died September 6 at age 88. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
Willard Scott signs copies of his new book “The Older the Fiddle the Better the Tune”
Willard Scott signs copies of his new book “The Older the Fiddle the Better the Tune” in New York City on May 15, 2003. The iconic weatherman on NBC’s “Today,” known for his charming personality and quirky on-air shticks, died on September 4 at the age of 87. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
David Platten
New England Patriot David Patten celebrates in the second half of Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 3, 2002. The former Patriots wide receiver died in a motorcycle crash on September 3 at the age of 47. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Ed Asner
Ed Asner attends the Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills, Calif., on October 11, 2014. The seven-time Emmy Award-winning actor, known for his role as Lou Grant in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died on August 29 at the age of 91. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones arrives on the red carpet at Industria in the West Village at the North American debut of “Exhibitionism -The Rolling Stones” in New York City on November 15, 2016. The legendary Rolling Stones drummer died on August 24 at the age of 80. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jimmy Hayes
Chicago Blackhawks Jimmy Hayes (R) shoots as Anaheim Ducks right wing Emerson Etem defends during the third period at the United Center in Chicago on March 29, 2013. The NHL champion died on August 23 at age 31 where his death was not considered suspicious. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo
Brian Travers
Brian Travers of UB40 performs in concert at Club Revolution in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 2006. The founding member and saxophone player of the group died Aug. 22 at age 62 following his long battle with cancer. File Photo by Michael Bush/UPI | License Photo
Tom T. Hall
Country music legend Tom T. Hall addresses a crowd after being introduced as a 2008 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Hall died Aug. 20 at age 85. File Photo by Frederick Breedon IV/UPI | License Photo
Chuck Close
Artist Chuck Close is seen during the Presidential Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Youth Program Awards at the White House in Washington in 2010. He died Aug. 19 of congestive heart failure at age 81. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Sonny Chiba
Sonny Chiba poses for the media during the 2003 New York premiere “Kill Bill Vol. 1.” He died Aug. 19 of COVID-19 complications at age 82. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | License Photo
Johnny Groth
Johnny Groth, shown in the 1940s, was an MLB outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators and Kansas City Athletics. The longtime outfielder died on August 13 at the age of 95. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Tigers
Tony Esposito
Chicago Blackhawks legend and Hall of Fame goalie Tony Esposito, shown in 1973, won three Vezina trophies with the franchise as the league’s top netminder. He died on August 10 at the age of 78. Photo courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks/Wikimedia Commons
Jane Withers
Jane Withers arrives for the premiere of the 45th anniversary restoration of “Funny Girl” at the Opening Night Gala of the TCM Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles on April 25, 2013. The former child actress died on August 9 at the age of 95. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Bobby Bowden
Retiring Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden takes a ride off the field after his final game as coach coming, from behind to defeat West Virginia 33-21, in Jacksonville, Fla., on January 1, 2010. The longtime Florida State football coach, who ranks second in all-time Division I wins, died {link: “https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/08/08/FSU-football-coach-Bobby-Bowden-dies-91/3651628434899/”} on August 8 at age 91. Photo by Mark Wallheiser/UPI | License Photo
Markie Post
Markie Post arrives for the Race to Erase MS benefit gala in Los Angeles on May 14, 2004. The actress best known for her roles in “Night Court” and “Fall Guy,” died after a battle with cancer on August 8 at the age of 70. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dennis “DT” Thomas
Dennis “DT” Thomas poses for photographers at a ceremony where Kool & The Gang receive the 2,560th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on October 8, 2015. Thomas died August 7 at age 70. File Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI | License Photo
Richard Trumka
Richard Trumka speaks at a news conference outside of their headquarters on Black Lives Matter Plaza to discuss issues about racial injustice within voting rights and the empowerment of working people, in Washington, D.C., on July 15, 2021. The head of AFL-CIO died on August 5 at the age of 72. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Carl Levin
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., leaves the Senate Chambers for votes related to the budget, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 22, 2013. The longtime senator died after a battle with lung cancer on July 30 at the age of 87. Photp by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dusty Hill
ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill performs at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., on December 28, 2007. The rock legend died on July 27 at the age of 72. Photo by Michael Bush/UPI | License Photo
Joey Jordison
Joey Jordison performs with Skipknot at the Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus, Ohio, on May 16, 2009. The drummer and founder of the band died on July 28 at the age of 46. Photo by Steve C. Mitchell/EPA-EFE
Dieter Brummer
Dieter Brummer arrives at the Logie Awards in Melbourne, Australia, on May 2, 2010. The actor, best known for his roles in “Home and Away” and “Neighbours,” died on July 26 at the age of 45. Photo by Tracey Nearmy/EPA-EFE
Jackie Mason
Jackie Mason performs on his farewell tour in the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on January 26, 2008. The Emmy- and Tony-winning comedian died on July 25 at the age of 93. Photo by Michael Bush/UPI | License Photo
Bob Moses
Bob Moses visits the Miller Center at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., on February 26, 2014. The civil rights leader, best known for organizing civil rights campaigns in Mississippi and organizing the Freedom Summer project, died on July 25 at the age of 86. Photo by the Miller Center/Wikimedia Commons
Edwin Edwards
Edwin Edwards answers questions before the Jefferson Jackson dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans on August 9, 2014. The former four-term governor of Louisiana died from respiratory failure on July 12 at the age of 93. Photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Jehan El Sadat
Jehan El Sadat, wife of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, arrives at a social function in Washington, D.C., on May 7, 2000. The former first lady died on July 9 at the age of 87. Photo by Lili Iravani/UPI | License Photo
Donald Rumsfeld
Donald Rumsfeld signs his book “Known and Unknown: A Memoir” at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., on February 22, 2011. The former defense secretary, who served under Presidents Gerald Ford and George W. Bush, died from multiple myeloma on June 30 at the age of 88. Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo
Sen. Mike Gravel
Sen. Mike Gravel, D-Alaska, speaks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Presidential Forum in Washington, D.C., on October 3, 2007. The two-term senator was most known for reading the Pentagon Papers into the Congressional Record. He died June 27 at 91. Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI | License Photo
Benigno Aquino III
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III speaks at a summit on economic reforms during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in Beijing on November 9, 2014. The long-time political figure died from renal dissease on June 24 at the age of 61. Pool Photo by Jin Liwang/UPI | License Photo
Lisa Banes
Lisa Banes reacts on set of “The Niceties” with the Huntington Theatre Company at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, on August 30, 2018. The actress, known for her roles in “Gone Girl” and numerous Broadway roles, died from a hit-and-run accident on June 14 at the age of 65. Photo by T. Charles Erickson/Flickr
Jim Fassel
New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel watches the Detroit Lions defeat his team, the New York Giants, at in East Rutherford, N.J., on November 19, 2000. The former Super Bowl-winning coach died on June 8 at the age of 71. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
F. Lee Bailey
O.J. Simpson (L) greets attorney F. Lee Bailey as they arrive for the funeral service of Johnnie L. Cochran at West Angeles Cathedral in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District on April 6, 2005. Bailey died June 3 at the age of 87. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Gavin McLeod
Gavin McLeod arrives for the TV Land Awards March 13, 2005, in Santa Monica, Calif. The actor died May 29 at the age of 90. Photo by John Hayes/UPI | License Photo
B.J. Thomas
B.J. Thomas sings at the Christmas Pageant of Peace Opening Ceremony and National Christmas Tree lighting in Washington, D.C., on December 7, 2006. The Grammy-winning singer died on May 29 at the age of 78. Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI | License Photo
John Warner
Candidate for the U.S. Senate John Warner (L) receives support from Former President Gerald Ford at a rally in Fairfax, Va., on October 8, 1978. The five-term senator and ex-husband to actress Elizabeth Taylor, died on May 26 at the age of 94. Photo by Jeff Franko/UPI | License Photo
Charles Grodin
Charles Grodin speaks about Paul Simon, recipient of the first Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, during a concert celebrating his music at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2007. The actor and writer, best known for his roles in “Beethoven” and “The Heartbreak Kid,” died on May 19 after battling bone marrow cancer at the age of 86. Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI | License Photo
Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser waves to fans on Legends Day for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, on May 28, 2016. The three-time Indy 500 winner died on May 2 at the age of 87. Photo by Mike Gentry/UPI | License Photo
Les McKeown
Les McKweon speaks at Radio F in Germany on April 10, 2010. The singer, known for lead vocals in Bay City Rollers, died on April 22 at the age of 65. Photo by Roland Rosenbauer/Wikimedia Commons
Idriss Deby
President Idriss Deby (L) and first lady Hinda Deby greet the press as they arrive at the White House for a State Dinner on behalf of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., on August 5, 2014. The leader of Chad died from injuries he received during a fight with insurgents on the battlefield on April 20 at the age of 68. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Walter Mondale
Democratic Senate candidate Walter Mondale addresses supporters while he and those in attendance await the results of his Seante bid in Saint Paul, Minn., on November 5, 2002. Mondale, the former Vice President to President Jimmy Carter, died on April 19 at the age of 93. Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/UPI | License Photo
Helen McCrory
Helen McCrory attends the premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in London, on December 16, 2015. The actress, best known for her roles in “Peaky Blinders” and “Harry Potter,” died at the age of 55 after a battle with cancer. Photo by Paul Treadway/ UPI | License Photo
Bernie Madoff
Bernard “Bernie” Madoff leaves Federal Court after a hearing where U.S. prosecutors persuaded a judge to end his house arrest for supposedly violating his bail conditions in New York City, on January 14, 2009. Madoff, who operated a $50 billion Ponzi-scheme, died on April 14 at the age of 82. (UPI Photo/Monika Graff) | License Photo
Joe Sirvano
Actor Joe Sirvano, best known for his role in “The Sopranos,” died on April 12 at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer. Photo courtesy of ATA Management
DMX
DMX announces being signed to Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records and the upcoming release of his 6th solo album at a press conference at Sony Music Studios in New York on January 13, 2006. The rapper and actor died at age 50 on April 9. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
Prince Philip
Great Britain’s Prince Philip sits in the royal box with Queen Elizabeth after they arrive at Woodbine Racetrack for the Queen’s Plate Stakes horse races near Toronto, Ontario, July 4, 2010. The longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch died April 9 at age 99. File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI | License Photo
Anne Beatts
Former “Saturday Night Live” writer Anne Beatts participates in a panel discussion November 21, 2010, at the Vancouver Film School. The writer and professor died April 7 at the age of 74. File Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Film School/Flickr
Rep. Alcee Hastings
Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., speaks as The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., on November 4, 2009. The congressman, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018, died on April 6 at the age of 84. Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo
G. Gordon Liddy
G. Gordon Liddy sits in the Arizona delegates section during the Republican National Convention in New York City, on September 2, 2004. Liddy, known best for engineering the bungled break-in that led to the Watergate scandal, died on March 30 at the age of 90. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Larry McMurtry
Writers Diana Ossana won Best Adapted Screenplay for “Brokeback Mountain” at the Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, on March 5, 2006. McMurtry, an Oscar and Pulitzer-prize winning novelist and screenwriter, died on March 26 at the age of 84. Photo by Gary C. Caskey/UPI | License Photo
Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter attends the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on September 10, 2016. The actress, best known for her matriarch role in “Arrested Development,” died on March 25 at the age of 80. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
George Segal
George Segal arrives for Betty White’s 89th birthday party at Le Cirque in New York City, on January 18, 2011. The actor, best known for his roles in “The Goldbergs,” and “Just Shoot Me!,” died on March 24 at the age of 87. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler
“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (L) and challenger Sugar Ray Leonard ham it up prior to a news conference in Boston on November 18, 1986 promoting their fight scheduled for April 6, 1987 in Las Vegas. Hagler, the former undisputed world middleweight champion, died on March 14 at the age of 66. Photo by Alan Altman/UPI | License Photo
Vernon Jordan
From left to right, Ann Jordan, her husband Vernon Jordan, and Buffy Cafritz, arrive for the formal Artist’s Dinner honoring the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., on December 3, 2016. Jordan, a renowned civil rights icon and former adviser to President Bill Clinton, died on March 2 at the age of 85. Pool Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI | License Photo
Irv Cross
Irv Cross, former professional football player, speaks out against the current NFL retirement system and its lack of adequate pension, health and disability benefits for former NFL players, in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 2011. Cross, the first Black person in history to work as a full-time sports analyst on national TV, died on March 1, at the age of 81. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Rush Limbaugh
Conservative broadcaster Rush Limbaugh (L) gives as thumbs up after being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by first lady Melania Trump during President Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on February 4, 2020. Limbaugh died on February 17, at the age of 70. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Johnny Pacheco
Johnny Pacheco take part in ceremonies on April 11, 2006, announcing the Latin Grammy Awards will be held for the first time ever in New York City. The co-founder of Latin music label Fania Records, died on February 16 at the age of 85. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | License Photo
Larry Flynt
Larry Flynt appears at the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas on January 11, 2008. The Hustler publisher died February 10 at the age of 78. Photo by Daniel Gluskoter/UPI | License Photo
Marty Schottenheimer
San Diego Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer watches from the sideline as the Chargers beat the Broncos 48-20, in San Diego, on December 10, 2006. The NFL icon who won 200 games as head coach, died on February 9 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, at the age of 77. Photo by Earl S. Cryer/UPI | License Photo
Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson arrives at the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, on February 17, 2012. The Motown legend, known for being a founding member of The Supremes with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, died on February 8, at the age of 76. Photo by Danny Moloshok/UPI | License Photo
George Shultz
Former Secretary of State George Shultz listens to a speaker at a centenary celebration in San Francisco, on April 18, 2006. Shultz, who was also a distinguished fellow and professor at Stanford University, died on February 7 at the age of 100. Terry Schmitt) | License Photo
Leon Spinks
Leon Spinks, former heavyweight boxing champion smiles as he watches a fight between him and Muhammad Ali during Enshrinement ceremonies for the Class of 2015 of the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in St. Louis, on September 17, 2015. Spinks died after a battle with prostate cancer on February 7 at the age of 67. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Ron Wright
Rep. Ron Wright, R-Texas, died on February 7 at 67, after battling lung cancer and contracting COVID-19. He is the first member of congress to die from the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of the U.S. House of Representatives/Wikimedia Commons
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer waves to the crowd during his hand & footprint ceremony immortalizing him in the forecourt of TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Los Angeles on March 27, 2015. The actor, best known for his role in “The Sound of Music,” died on February 5 at the age of 91. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Hal Holbrook
Cast member Hal Holbrook attends the premiere of “Planes: Fire & Rescue” in Los Angeles, on July 15, 2014. The actor, best known for his role of Mark Twain in a one-man show, died on February 2 at the age of 95. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dustin Diamond
Dustin Diamond poses for a photo at the Chiller Theatre Expo at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, N.J., on October 27, 2012. The actor, best known for his role as Samuel “Screech” Powers in “Saved by the Bell,” died on February 1 at the age of 44 after a battle with cancer. Photo by Rob DiCaterino/Flickr
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson attends the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 15, 2019. The actor died January 27 at the age of 96. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachman attends the premiers of Starz’s television series “American Gods” at the ArcLight Cinema Dome in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on April 20, 2017. The actor died January 26 at the age of 94. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Larry King
Television and radio host Larry King is seen in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City on December 1, 2016. The broadcaster died January 23 at the age of 87. File Photo by Albin Lohr-Jones/UPI | License Photo
Hank Aaron
Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron waves to fans before he presents the Hank Aaron Award to Giancarlo Stanton in San Francisco, on October 25, 2014. Aaron, also known as “Hammerin’ Hank,” died on January 22 at the age of 86. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Phil Spector
Music producer Phil Spector (L), charged with fatally shooting actress Lana Clarkson, departs after appearing for a pretrial hearing at the Los Angeles Superior Court in Los Angeles, on October 27, 2005. Spector died of natural causes while incarcerated, for second-degree murder charges, on January 16 at the age of 81. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Joanne Rogers
Tom Hanks (L and Joanne Rogers, widow of Mr. Rogers, shares a laugh at the Rally for Peace in Point State Park in Pittsburgh, on November 9, 2018. Rogers, who continued the work of supporting children and families following her husband’s death, died on January 14 at the age of 92. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Siegfried Fischbacher
Siegfried Fischbacher (L) and Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy, arrive at the premiere of the Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil, at the Mirage in Las Vegas, on July 2, 2006. Siegfried, known as the magician in their act, died on January 14 following a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 81. Photo by Roger Williams/UPI | License Photo
Tommy Lasorda
Tommy Lasorda throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the National League Championship Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, on October 15, 2013. The legendary Dodgers manager died on January 8 at age 93. Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI | License Photo
Dearon ‘Deezer D’ Thompson
Deezer D (R), greets St. Louis Cardinals fan Jon Kempker on the field, prior to a game with the New York Mets in St. Louis, on June 19, 1999. The actor, known for his role in “ER,” died of a suspected heart attack on January 8 at age 55. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Tanya Roberts
Tanya Roberts (L) and co-star Roger Moore discuss their James Bond film “A View to a Kill,” at a press conference in San Francisco, on May 21, 1985. Roberts, known for roles as a Bond Girl and “That ’70s Show,” died on January 4 at age 65. Photo by Lloyd Francis/UPI | License Photo
