'Highlander' Actor Stan Kirsch Dies by Apparent Suicide at 51
Editor's Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
Actor Stan Kirsch has died by apparent suicide at the age of 51, according to a statement on Kirsch’s official Facebook page, on Jan. 11. According to TMZ, the actor died by apparent suicide.
Kirsch is best known for playing Richie Ryan on the TV series “Highlander: The Series” from 1992 to 1997. His acting credits also include shows such as “General Hospital,” “Friends” and “JAG.” He also worked as a sought-after acting coach in Los Angeles.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch,” wrote the official “Highlander” Facebook page, adding:
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. … 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.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch. Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series…
Posted by Highlander on Monday, January 13, 2020
Other fans, friends and colleagues also reacted to his death on social media and shared condolences.
I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. I haven’t been able to respond to all the texts, calls,…
Posted by Kristyn Green on Monday, January 13, 2020
Stan Kirsch and I were kids together on Highlander: The Series. Unfortunately Immortality is fiction.
I'm going to remember him laughing — this scene that made it to air is the real man cracking up, not in character. RIP pic.twitter.com/A4ksKzIMEf
— Gillian Horvath, WGA/WGC Telescripter (@GillianHorvath) January 14, 2020
Rest In Peace, Stan Kirsch. You were an incredible teacher, full of energy and real care for every student you taught. You really were something special.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) January 14, 2020
Beyond heartbroken to hear the news that Stan Kirsch has passed away. I have so many wonderful memories from my time on Highlander. RIP dear soul. My most sincere Condolences to his family.
— Amanda Wyss (@_AmandaWyss) January 14, 2020
I love you forever @stankirsch. You didn’t just teach me how to be a working actor- you gave me the gift of community. Thank you for loving us back as we loved you. You will live on in every one of my builds, turns, lines, performances and “Schwimmers”. pic.twitter.com/aFjg9xYnbJ
— Hayley Marie Norman (@xoHayleyMarie) January 14, 2020
@stankirsch Sending love to Stan’s family and all who loved him. There are many.
— Brian Guest (@brguest20) January 14, 2020
I am gutted hearing about the passing of @stankirsch I felt like I belonged for the first time when I stepped into his studios. His impact was so great in the acting community esp for Asian Americans. This is heartbreaking. You will be missed, Stan. ????
— Charlet Takahashi Chung (@CharletChung) January 14, 2020
RIP @stankirsch you were a great teacher and a great friend. You will be missed #stankirsch #RIPStanKirsch
— Delpaneaux A. Wills (@DelpaneauxWills) January 14, 2020
If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who feel suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
Header image via “Highlander” Facebook page
Renée Fabian was the features editor at The Mighty. She has also written for The Washington Post, VICE, Healthline, Talkspace, The Fix, The Establishment, The Culture Trip, and GRAMMY.com, among others. Renée was named a 2019 AHCJ Comparative Effectiveness Research fellow, a 2020 USC Center for Health Journalism California fellow, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian.
reneeyfabian