Leilani Reyes February 5th, 2020 - 5:36 PM
Actor Kirk Douglas, a renowned actor from the Golden Age of Hollywood with quite a credits list, passed away today at age 103, as announced by his son and fellow actor Michael Douglas.
Douglas received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Champion in 1949, the breakout role that kickstarted his career. Another notable credit was 1960’s Spartacus, in which he acted and produced, famously written by then-blacklisted Dalton Trumbo, a move that heralded the end of the Hollywood/McCarthyism blacklist era. After this he became internationally known for his chiseled looks, intelligence, and talent as an actor. He also worked with director Stanley Kubrick on both Spartacus and 1957’s Paths of Glory, during which both of their careers were beginning to lift off. In his lifetime Douglas starred in over 90 films and earned three Oscar nominations. After acting he turned to producing, writing, and blogging.
Beyond acting, Douglas was also a World War II veteran and worked as a goodwill ambassador for the US State Department since the 1980s. His story is one of humble beginnings and hard work paying off, raised by a poor family and earning his way through school, which made him a role model and inspiration to many. For his achievements he received an honorary Oscar and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Kirk Douglas is survived by his wife Anna, his sons Peter, Michael, and Joel, and seven grandchildren. Michael’s statement about his father can be seen below.
