Hollywood Legend Kirk Douglas Has Died, Aged 103

Feb 06, 2020

Kirk Douglas, one of the last remaining actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood, has passed away Wednesday at the remarkable age of 103 in his Beverly Hills, California home.

His son Michael, who followed in his father's acting footsteps, posted the sad news on his Instagram:

"It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103. To the world he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire to."

Michael emphasized Kirk's family life and remembered him as a father and loved one to the Douglas clan first and foremost.

"But to me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad, to Catherine, a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great grandchild their loving grandfather, and to his wife Anne, a wonderful husband."

Kirk Douglas encompassed the scrappy, tough-guy role in Hollywood movies for decades, playing cowboys, soldiers, and most significantly, a Roman slave. It was his role in "Spartacus" cemented his legacy as one of the biggest stars in history. 

But even prior to the superstar-making turn, he had already been nominated for three Oscars for best actor as Vincent Van Gogh in 1956's "Lust for Life," a film producer in "The Bad and the Beautiful," 1952, and as a boxer in "Champion," 1949, as per the BBC. Over seven decades, Kirk amassed over 90 film credits.

The achievements in acting prove Kirk's determination after growing up poor in Amsterdam, New York in a family of 9. NPR reports that he worked hard to bring himself out of poverty in odd jobs before landing in the Navy and then on the Broadway stage.

A 1996 stroke later in life, which he later recovered from and returned to acting, left him speechless and made him turn to writing including the novels "Dance With the Devil," and "Last Tango in Brooklyn," as well as a series of memoirs as per The New York Times.

Kirk was married twice in his life and stayed with his second wife, film producer Anne Buydens for 60 years. She survives him at the age of 100 along with his three sons and extended family.

Kirk and Anne were prolific in their philanthropic work, building 400 safe playgrounds for children all over California. They also opened several community projects such as Kirk Douglas High School and theatre, and the Anne Douglas Center for Homeless Women. He reflected on his charitable work as he wrote in a 2008 essay for Newsweek:

"The ticking of a clock makes you aware of and appreciate the time you have with your children and grandchildren. You wonder how they will deal with the problems they face after you are gone. You want to do what you can to make it easier for them and for younger generations."

Thank you for the memories, rest in peace to Kirk Douglas. Please be sure to pass on the unfortunate news and let others know about his long, fulfilling life.