Kirk Douglas Doesn't Leave Fortune To Son Michael Douglas – Donates $61M To Charity

Mar 03, 2020

Renowned actor Kirk Douglas, who passed away earlier in February, has left his entire $61 million fortune to charity.

The late Hollywood legend had been known to be extremely charitable, and his generosity lives on even after his passing. According to Mirror, Kirk wanted $50 million to be given away to various charities through the Douglas Foundation.

The Douglas Foundation, which was founded by Kirk and his wife Anne Buydens in 1964, is “committed to helping those who might not otherwise be able to help themselves.”

Some of the recipients of his bequest include scholars at his alma mater St. Lawrence University, Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, Culver City’s Kirk Douglas Theatre, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The Mirror reports that his son, 75-year-old Michael Douglas, will not be getting a single cent from the money his father left behind. Not that he needs it – As a famous actor in his own right, Michael is estimated to be worth $300 million.

"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," wrote Michael in memory of his dad.

Kirk, who passed at 103, is survived by his wife of 65 years Anne Buydens, their sons Peter, Michael and Joel, as well as seven grandchildren. Kirk was also very close to his daughter-in-law, actress Catherine Zeta Jones, the wife of Michael.

Michael, whose middle name is Kirk, was his father’s first child. In a tribute to his dad, he wrote,

"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 focused on doing charity work and his role as goodwill ambassador for the US State Department after his acting career started slowing down in the 1980s. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981, the Jefferson Award for public service in 1983, and the French Legion of Honor in 1985.

Stories of charitable works help restore faith in humanity. We hope this inspires more people to be more generous to the needy. Pass this along to all your friends and family.