Tommy Kirk was a former child star that rose to fame during the 1950s and the 1960s after being signed with Walt Disney. The star’s breakout performance came in the 1957 feature Old Yeller, and he subsequently performed in many more live-action features for the company before being fired after multiple controversies surrounding him were revealed. Sadly, it has recently been announced that Tommy has passed away, at the age of 79.
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While it has often been suggested that Tommy was fired from his tenure with Walt Disney due to the fact that it had been publicly revealed that the young man was a homosexual, there were numerous other issues that both Disney and the public had taken umbrage with. When Tommy was 21 years old, he had been involved in a relationship with someone underage. As well, Tommy had been busted for marijuana use on Christmas Eve of 1964.
The last feature that Tommy filmed with Disney before being fired was 1964’s The Misadventures of Merlin Jones. However, Tommy was brought back on by Disney shortly after his firing to film a sequel to that film: 1965’s The Monkey’s Uncle. After his relationship with Disney ended, Tommy featured in numerous beach films that attempted to capitalize on his success as a Disney teen idol.
In the 1970s, Tommy became dissatisfied with the quality of roles that he was receiving in Hollywood. As well, he was suffering from substance abuse issues that made him want to leave the industry. He ended up taking a break from acting and starting a successful carpet cleaning and upholstery business in California. This business lasted for two decades, and Tommy spent the last years of his life in Las Vegas. Join Facts Verse as we pay our respects to Tommy Kirk, Disney child star from Old Yeller. RIP Tommy Kirk.
RIP Tommy Kirk, Disney Child Star From Old Yeller
By: Facts Verse Title: RIP Tommy Kirk, Disney Child Star From Old Yeller Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWsDPEImKgc
