Kirk Douglas, one of the oldest surviving movie stars from the golden age of Hollywood, died at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 103 when he died.
Michael Douglas, his son, announced his death on his Facebook page:
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 setting a standard for all of us to aspire to.
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 his wife Anne, a wonderful husband.
Kirk’s life was well-lived, and he leaves a legacy in a film that will endure for generations to come and a history as a renowned philanthropist who worked to aid the public and bring peace to the planet.
Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true. Dad- I love you so much, and I am so proud to be your son. #KirkDouglas
Kirk Douglas had a severe stroke in 1996 and recovered long. He was seen in 2011 during the Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway and even made a joke with her while they were presenting during the presentation for the best-supporting actress.
From then on, he was slowly fading out of the spotlight.
He was considered to be one of the last flickering flames of the classic movies.
In the 1950s and 1960s, he was one of those big stars, a member of the leading men together with Burt Lancaster, Gregory Peck, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman. Like all of these men, he was instantly recognized for his dimpled chin, voice, and irresistible charm.
In his first decade, he had at least three movies in a year. Most of them were acclaimed for. He was nominated three times as best actor for the Academy Award.
He was known for his movies like Spartacus, Paths of Glory and Lonely are the Brave, for which he is more proud of.
During an interview with the New York Times, Mr. Douglas said, “I’ve always been attracted to characters who are a part scoundrel. I don’t find virtue photogenic.”
He made an autobiography, a best-selling, The Ragman’s Son, and mentioned: “To me, acting is creating an illusion, showing tremendous discipline, not losing yourself in the character that you’re portraying.” He added, “The actor never gets lost in the character he’s playing; the audience does.”
The Ragman’s son was born on December 9, 1916, in Amsterdam, New York. He was the son of illiterate Russian Jewish immigrants, according to his book. He was the only boy among the six children.
Mr. Douglas said he had at least 40 jobs before he became successful in Hollywood.
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