George Kirby was born on June 8, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for Trouble in Mind (1985), Dolly (1987) and Faerie Tale Theatre (1982). He was married to Rosemary. He died on September 30, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Became to first African-American comedian to open at the Copacabana nightclub in
New York, in 1960. He opened for Bobby Darin, who in fact gotten Kirby to be
his opening act.
He fell on hard times and in 1977 was arrested for selling an ounce of heroin to an undercover police officer. He was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to ten years in prison. He was released after serving 42 months.
Pleasant African-American comic, impressionist and song-and-dance man, one of the
earlier black performers who found crossover success in the 1950s with
his light, non-confrontational stand-up style. Was a favorite on The Ed Sullivan Show (1948).
Buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.