Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has died at age 103.
According to his son, Michael Douglas, the ‘Spartacus’ star died at home Wednesday. “It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103,” the actor told People.
He continued, “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.”
As for his family, Michael continued, “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.”
“I wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid in the second grade. I did a play, and my mother made a black apron, and I played a shoemaker. After the performance, [my father] gave me my first Oscar: an ice cream cone.” -Kirk Douglas
Goodbye to a Hollywood legend. pic.twitter.com/vnu1Hkb2FA
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 5, 2020
He continued, “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,” Michael added. “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 has over 90 movie credits to his name, including 75 movies. In November 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
At the time, Michael said of his father, “It means so much to me, Dad, that you’re here today. Thank you for your advice, inspiration, and I’ll say it simply and with all my heart: I’m so proud to be your son.”
Celebrities and friends of the Douglas family have taken to social media to react to the legendary actor’s death.
George Takei tweeted, “Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has passed on today at the age of 103. An Academy Award-winning actor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Douglas was a champion for many just causes and lived a long and storied life. He was adored and beloved, and he shall be missed.”
William Shatner added, “Condolences to the family of Kirk Douglas. What an incredible icon he was in this industry!”
Danny Devito issued a statement, saying, ‘Kirk Douglas. The inspirational Scalawag. 103 years on this earth. That’s got a nice ring to it! Great hanging with you man.”
‘Rocky’ star Carl Weathers tweeted, “Legends never leave us! RIP Kirk Douglas. We grew up watching you. #BePeace”
R.I.P.
Rest in Peace Kirk Douglas (December 9, 1916 – February 5, 2020), American actor, producer, director and author. A centenarian, he was one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/iXYgeZd2ba
— Killer Cosmonaut (@kitschkong) February 5, 2020
