Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, the man who brought 'Spartacus' to life, passes away at 103
Kirk Douglas, the iconic Hollywood actor, one of the last surviving icons of the 'golden age', who was known for his good looks and movies that include 'Spartacus', 'Gunfight at the OK Corral', and 'The Bad and the Beautiful' among others died on February 5. The news was confirmed by his son, actor Michael Douglas.
In a statement to People, the actor said, "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."
Michael continued in the statement, "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’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," he added.
Michael concluded, "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.”
Kirk Douglas survived a helicopter crash in 1991 and in 1996, he also suffered from a severe stroke but was known to be in good health since then. When his son Michael was nominated for a Golden Globe for 'The Kominsky Method' in December 2019 on the same day as Kirk's birthday, Michael had thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Kirk himself was nominated thrice for Best Actor by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in 1949 for 'Champion', in 1952 for 'The Bad and the Beautiful' and in 1956 for 'Lust for Life'. His acting credits include 75 movies and Kirk became a superstar of the golden era.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne, and his sons Michael, Joel, and Peter.
