How Kirk Douglas Keeps The Romance Fresh At 102

Aug 02, 2019

Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne Buyduns are the epitome of a successful marriage. The centenarians have been married for over 60 years and probably have one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood. 

Having a successful relationship, however, takes a whole lot of work.

The couple met in Paris in 1953, when Douglas was filming “Act of Love.” The actor wanted to take Anne out for dinner, but was turned down. 

“I’ll take this young beauty to dinner at the most romantic (and expensive) restaurant in Paris, La Tour d’Argent,” he told the LA Times. “She’s sure to approve of my taste and my ability to get a last-minute reservation.”

“‘No, I think I’ll stay in and have some scrambled eggs,’ she said.”

According to Douglas, the pure fact that she was not enamored with his persuit of her impressed him. 

“I was determined to win her over. Anyone who knows my story knows the rest.”

The couple married a year after they met, in 1954. Douglas’ infidelity that he was notorious for, however, did not stop then. 

“Kirk never tried to hide his dalliances from me,” Anne Douglas wrote in 'Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter and a Lifetime in Hollywood,' as per People.

 “As a European, I understood it was unrealistic to expect total fidelity in a marriage.”

Kirk said that Anne never tried to change him, but she always spoke her mind.

Another thing they do to keep the flame alive? The couple revealed in an interview with USA Today that they wrote love letters to each other over the years. 

“Nobody writes a letter anymore, which is so personal, something that touches you or disappoints you.” said Anne. “But today, you get an email. It does nothing to you. It’s cold.”

“It’s the new world. I like the old world better.”

You can watch their love story in the video below:

What do you think of Kirk and Anne’s way of keeping the flame alive throughout the years? What is your secret to a long, happy marriage? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!