George Kirby (June 8, 1923 – September 30, 1995) was a talented comedian, singer, and actor hailing from Chicago, Illinois. He launched his career in the 1940s at the Club DeLisa, a popular venue known for its variety shows that showcased local talent. Kirby made his recording debut in 1947 with "Ice Man Blues" during a session with Tom Archia for Aristocrat Records.
During the Civil Rights era, Kirby distinguished himself as one of the pioneering African-American comedians who successfully appealed to both white and black audiences. His appearances on prominent shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, and Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In between 1966 and 1972 showcased his impressive range as an impressionist. He was known for lampooning iconic figures like John Wayne and Walter Brennan, in addition to performing vocal impressions of celebrated singers including Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.
In 1970, he produced his own television special, The George Kirby Show, which led to the creation of the sketch comedy series Half the George Kirby Comedy Hour in 1972. This show, which featured rising star Steve Martin, faced the challenge of blending Kirby's natural comedic style with the expectations of the era. After the show ended, Kirby's career faced difficulties, compounded by struggles with addiction and legal troubles, including a prison sentence in 1977 for drug-related offenses. Despite a decline in his career, he continued to make guest appearances on various television shows. In his later years, he battled Parkinson's Disease, and in 1995, friends organized a tribute to support him, shortly before his passing.
