06/06/2026
I plan to profile the entire cast of "The River Bridge" before years end. My first tribute is to my late friend Dep Kirkland.
When I cast Dep as "Beamer", the chief partner of JC Kellerman & Associates, in "The River Bridge", I knew him only as an actor. What I didn't know at first was the extraordinary life he had lived before stepping in front of a camera.
Only later did I learn that Dep had been a prosecutor in Savannah, Georgia, involved in the famous Jim Williams case that inspired Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and later authored Lawyer Games to tell the story from his own perspective.
Months before his passing from a terrible boating accident, we spent time together talking about Twin Peaks: The Return, where he played Chief Mike Boyd, and discussing a future film project about my aunt, Mary Faye Hunter, whose murder remains unsolved.
Dep never led with his accomplishments. He was humble, thoughtful, and generous with his time. Looking back, I realize I was fortunate to know not only a talented actor, but a man who had lived several remarkable lives in one lifetime. Much like myself.
Rest in peace, Dep. Thank you for the conversations, the friendship, and your unforgettable contribution to The River Bridge. I'm sorry that we did not get another chance to collaborate. Maybe next time.
