Kirk & Michael Douglas: A unique father-son duo in Hollywood history and two careers with exceptional mileage
Hollywood lost an iconic actor in Kirk Douglas on Wednesday. The '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' star was 103 when he died of natural causes. He had a decorated film career dishing out some cult hits that are revered by fans till day. In what comes as a heartening tribute, his son, Michael Douglas, another renowned face in the film industry and an Oscar-award winning actor, offered a touching eulogy to his father on Instagram.
The post read: "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 [Michael Douglas’ wife Catherine Zeta-Jones], a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great-grandchild their loving grandfather, and to his wife Anne, a wonderful husband."
"Kirk’s life was well-lived, and he leaves a legacy in 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."
There have been a few instances over the years that show the great bond Michael shared with his father. Rollback to 2018 when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the 'Wall Street' star thanked his dad who was there to see Michael receive the prestigious honor. "It means so much to me, Dad, that you're here today. Thank you for your advice, inspiration, and I'll say it simply, with all my heart: I'm so proud to be your son."
Not before Michael had his own issues with Kirk, a comprehensive piece by The Daily Beast gave valuable insight into their lives, terming it as "one of the most unique father-son sagas in Hollywood history." There was also a time when he cast Jack Nicholson over Kirk to play R.P. McMurphy, one of the leading characters in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest'. Kirk had actually essayed the part in Broadway. The film, that was produced by Michael won five Oscars in 1975, including the Best Picture.
The article also noted that Michael has reportedly acquired the same weakness as his father and gives a quick recount of him being known as a chronic womanizer. However, it also adds that he had the same acting qualities that his father did and it paved the way for his greatness. Michael had the "same charisma and the steeliness" as his dad and he put out scintillating performances, one of which saw him walk away with an Oscar.
The father-son duo also shared screen space together in 'It Runs in the Family,' the 2003 comedy-drama movie helmed by Fred Schepisi and starring three generations of the Douglas family: Kirk Douglas, Michael, and Michael's son Cameron Douglas, who play three generations of a family. Diana Douglas (née Dill), real-life mother to Michael, and ex-wife of Kirk, plays Kirk's character's wife. Before this was another project, titled 'Cast a Giant Shadow' (1966) although Michael had an uncredited role in the film.
Kirk is survived by his three sons, Michael, Joel and Peter, and his wife of 64 years, Anne Buydens.
His fourth son Eric died in 2004.