Background
Kirk was born in Salem, Oregon. His mother was of Russian Jewish descent and his father was of Danish and English ancestry. Kirk grew up in Union, Washington, where he attended a grade school on a Native American reservation, until his family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, when he was 12 years old.
Education
He attended high school there and performed at Children"s Theatre Company.
Career
He is known for playing Prior Walter in Mike Nichols"s screen adaptation of Angels in America (for which he received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series) and for his portrayal of Andy Botwin in Showtime"s Weeds. He moved to New York City after graduating. Kirk played guitar in several New York bands in the early 1990s, most notably The Dimestore Darlings.
He completed a two-year conservatory acting program at Circle in the Square Theatre School.
His first role on Broadway was a play called Any Given Day, which was performed at the Longacre Theatre. He also appeared in Love! Valour! Kirk"s other films include Flannel Pajamas, Chapter Zero, The Eden Myth, Puccini for Beginners, and Call o" the Glen.
He made his television series debut in Jack & Jill. He starred as Andy Botwin on the Showtime television series Weeds alongside former Angels in America co-star Mary-Louise Parker.