We've updated our Privacy and Cookies Policy
We've made some important changes to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and we want you to know what this means for you and your data.
Stan Kirsch: Highlander and Friends actor dies aged 51
Actor Stan Kirsch, best known for roles in the Highlander TV series and sitcom Friends, has died at the age of 51.
The star played Richie Ryan in the fantasy sci-fi adventure show, a spin-off from the 1986 film.
In 1995, Kirsch made a memorable cameo in Friends in an episode titled The One with the Ick Factor.
He played Ethan, a young man dating Courteney Cox's character Monica, who lied about his age because he was a senior high school student.
A message read: "We tragically lost our beloved Stan Kirsch on January 11th."
His widow Kristyn Green added: "I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support."
After appearing as a child actor, Kirsch took up what would become his signature role on the Highlander TV spin-off in 1992, portraying the teenage Ryan - a streetwise and quick-witted petty thief.
The show's official Facebook page also paid tribute, noting his importance to the series and how he "even changed himself physically" to reflect how the character would have had to have survived in the world of "the immortals".
"Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less," they said. "He brought a sense of humour, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons."
Kirsch's final acting role, voicing several characters in the animated series Invincible, came in 2009.
He made his debut as director and producer in 2004 with the film Straight Eye: The Movie. He went on to found his Los Angeles-based studio and acting school with Green in 2008, helping other actors into screen and stage roles.
Follow us on , or on Twitter . If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
Top Stories
More to explore
Most read
Content is not available