Stan Kirsch, Actor In ‘Highlander,’ Dies At 51 In Apparent Suicide

Highlander actor Stan Kirsch has passed away at age 51. Kirsch’s wife has confirmed the death of the actor Monday on Facebook.

“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. I haven’t been able to respond to all the texts, calls, emails — but have read or listened to every single one of them. I feel surrounded by love and am forever grateful to each and every one of you.”

The actor was found dead by an alleged suicide in his Los Angeles home over the weekend.

Kirsch was found by his wife. First responders were called, but the actor was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Kirsch played Richie Ryan in Highlander, a television series for six seasons from 1992-1998.

“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch,” a tribute on the show’s official Facebook page read. “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.”

The praise Kirsch received is for his performance as one of the show’s more challenging roles.

“Stan was at a disadvantage compared to other actors portraying immortals on the series. He was never able to have flashbacks from the 1800’s or discuss how things were ‘back in his day.’ However, Stan turned this situation into an opportunity; providing one of the few portrayals on the show where a character gradually grew into a wise, skilled and self-assured individual from episode to episode,” the statement read. “Stan even changed himself physically to show how Richie Ryan would survive in the world of the immortals.”

“Although Richie Ryan’s life was cut short on the show, there was little more to see; Richie Ryan had evolved into his own man, and it was Stan’s performance that made it true.”

At the time of his passing, Kirsch was working as an acting coach in Los Angeles.