Rene Kirby, known for his role in “Shallow Hal,” died earlier this month in Vermont at the age of 70.

Kirby’s brother Jon confirmed to Seven Days that the actor died at the University of Vermont Medical Center after being hospitalized for two months with kidney, bladder and esophagus issues.

According to the report, Kirby was a throat cancer survivor but had his larynx removed and was unable to speak.

Kirby, who was born with spina bifida, was cast in “Shallow Hal” as Walt and worked with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black.

Kirby was also cast as Phil Rupp in “Stuck on You,” marking his second collaboration with the Farrelly brothers in 2003.

He is survived by his mother and six siblings.

“Rene’s a guy we met in real life, on our travels, in Burlington,” Farelly told the Burlington Free Press in 2023. “He’s not the kind of guy you see in a movie. You see him in Burlington, but you don’t see him in the movies. There’s a disconnect there.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.