Kirk Douglas, Hollywood Legend & Father Of Michael Douglas, Passes Away At 103

A long life.

BYErika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
1108 Views
Michael Buckner / Staff / Getty Images

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a legend as it's being reported that Kirk Douglas has passed away at 103-years-old. The stage-turned-film actor was the rags to riches story that inspired many to pursue careers in entertainment. Born in 1916 to Jewish immigrant parents, Kirk grew up in Amsterdam, New York where his father worked as a ragman to provide for the family of nine. In the late 1940s, Kirk would land his first acting role that would lead to developing his reputation as a "tough guy" in films.

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Staff / Getty Images

The Spartacus actor also stirred up controversy in real life as he became an advocate for Hollywood professionals who were blacklisted by the industry during the Cold War. The three-time Academy Award nominee's death was confirmed by his Oscar-winning son Michael Douglas. "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," Michael reportedly stated.

Kirk's daughter-in-law, Catherine Zeta-Jones, honored the actor in a brief tribute on Instagram. "To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight...," she penned in a caption of a black and white photo of herself with her husband Michael's father. Check out a few more tributes to the Hollywood icon below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NOuvqnhbi

  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.