'Highlander' Actor Stan Kirsch Takes His Own Life

LOS ANGELES, CA — Stan Kirsch, the actor known for his television roles on "Highlander" and "JAG," took his own life, it was reported Tuesday.

The 51-year-old actor and director was found by his wife at his Los Angeles home, TMZ reported. News of his death, prompted outpourings of sorrow by loved ones, fans and colleagues in the industry. Kirsch, was also an acting coach and a TV veteran with appearances on well-known shows such as ``General Hospital" and ``Friends."

The Los Angeles Coroner's office determined Kirsch's death to be suicide by hanging.

Following his six seasons on "Highlander" in the mid-1990s, Kirsch played Lt. Ferraro on "JAG" for five seasons.

A tribute to Kirsch on Highlander's Facebook page reads: ``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 post concluded, “Every time we had the opportunity to catch up with Stan, he was nothing but kind, thoughtful and sincere. He was a warm presence that will be missed.”

Kristyn Green posted about her late husband, saying, ``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."

Off the air for more than a decade, "Highlander" still has a heady cult following and fans as well as Kirsch's students and fellow actors took to social media to share their heartbreak.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help.The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.