BRING THE CANNOLIS

As you may have read, actor Bruno Kirby died yesterday, at the way-too young age of 57. If you don't know the name, you'll recognize him up front in the Donnie Brasco picture at left. He's most famous for playing Billy Crystal's buddy in When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers. As an often-working character actor and a probable member of Bill Simmons's "That Guy" Club, you've probably seen him in many movies.

But the role I remember most is that of young Clemenza, from the flashback scenes in Godfather II. It was this younger version of Clemenza -- the heavy, cannoli-bringing capo in the Corleone family in the first film -- who first brought Vito, played by DeNiro, into The Life. The actor who played the older Clemenza, Richard Castellano, also died young, at 55.

So why am I writing this? I'm not a Bruno Kirby "fan." I dunno. I guess I'm a bit affected when someone this young dies. Especially when he played a small, but important, role in a seminal film. Always feels like I've lost someone I knew. Ciao, Bruno.