BREAKING: Rene Kirby dead: Shallow Hal dies at 70 after health struggles and lengthy hospital stay

Rene Kirby, known for his role in Shallow Hal, has sadly died at the age of 70.

The actor's death on July 11 followed a two-month hospitalisation due to infections and complications with his oesophagus, kidneys and bladder, according to his brother Jon Kirby.

His passing occurred at the University of Vermont Medical Center, as reported by the Vermont-based publication Seven Days.

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He was best known for starring in 2011 American comedy Shallow Hal, directed b the Farrelly Brothers and starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black.

The movie saw Black's sexist character be hypnotised to only see the inner beauty of people - including love interest Rosemary (played by a fat-suit wearing Paltrow).

The movie was a huge box office success, grossing $141million against a $41million budget.

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