American lawyer John Kirby who defended Nintendo against Universal Studios over copyright infringement over Donkey Kong, later they named the character Kirby in his honor.
Kirby is the main character of the eponymous franchise. The franchise is known as 'Kirby of the Stars' in Japan. The character's debut was in the 1992 video game 'Kirby's Dream Land'.
― Anonymous User 8/30/2015
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Captain Kirby York the lead character in John Ford western "Fort Apace" later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Yorke in sequel "Rio Grande" was portrayed by John Wayne in both films.
Kirby was the name of the vacuum cleaner in the film "Brave Little Toaster" and it's straight to video sequels. Obviously a reference to the vacuum brand.