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Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas Celebrity Profile
AP Images

Details

Also Known As:
Izzy Demsky
Date of Birth:
December 9, 1916
Height:
5' 9"
Hometown:
Amsterdam

Bio:
Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch on December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, NY) is an American actor, producer, director and author. Kirk grew up in an impoverished home with Russian Jewish immigrant parents and six sisters. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 after the US entered WW2, but was medically discharged for injuries in 1944. He returned to NYC and found work in radio, theater and commercials, doing a number of soap operas. His first film was in 1946 with Barbara Stanwyck called The Strange Love Of Martha Ivers. Kirk developed a character type of a tough guy, established in his eighth film Champion (1949) when he played a selfish boxer. For the role, he received his first Oscar nom and the film received 6 nominations over all. He broke out of the studio contract system and formed his own movie company, Bryna Productions. Throughout the 50s and 60s, Kirk blew up as a major box-office star. He starred in his first western in 1951, Along the Great Divide, but his personal favorite performance was in Lonely Are The Brave (1962). Kirk went on to be nominated for his roles in The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) and Lust For Life (1956). Between 1970 and 2008, Kirk made nearly 40 movies, including The Final Countdown, Tough Guys and The Secret. Since suffering a stroke in 1996, Kirk has taken up blogging and reduced his appearances.

Best Known For:
Kirk Douglas is best known for his leading role as a boxing hero in Champion. He is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Personal Life:
Kirk was married to Diana Dill on Nov. 2, 1943; they divorced in 1951. The couple had two sons, actor Michael Douglas and producer Joel Douglas. He then met Belgium producer Anne Buydens and the two married in 1954. They had two sons: producer Peter Douglas and actor Eric Douglas, who died in 2004 from a drug overdose. In 1991, Kirk was injured in a plane crash. Two people were killed. The crash prompted Kirk to search for meaning, which lead him to embrace his conservative Judaism. He documented his search in his book Climbing The Mountain: My Search for Meaning (2001). He has since become an integral part in Jewish and Zionist philanthropy. Kirk received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Jimmy Carter in 1981 after flying to Cairo to talk peace with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. After suffering a severe stroke in 1996, which impaired his ability to speak, Kirk wrote another book, My Stroke Of Luck. Just two months after his stroke, Kirk was abled to verbally thank the audience and accept an honorary Academy Award.

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Latest Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas
Breaking News

Kirk Douglas: 5 Things To Know About The Hollywood Legend Who Has Died At 103

Kirk Douglas was one of the last surviving members of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Learn more about the legendary actor who died on Feb. 5 at 103 years old.

February 5, 2020
Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas
See Message

Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones Pay Tribute To ‘Legend’ & Dad Kirk After His Death

Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones spoke out about his legendary father Kirk Douglas, who passed away on Feb. 5, in heartbreaking statements they posted to Instagram.

February 5, 2020
Kirk Douglas Dead
Breaking News

Kirk Douglas Dead: Hollywood Icon, Father Of Michael Douglas Dies At Age 103

One of the last stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood has fallen. Kirk Douglas, the father of Michael Douglas and star of iconic films like ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Lust For Life,’ has died at age 103.

February 5, 2020
Kirk Douglas
See Pic

Kirk Douglas, 101, Cradles Great Granddaughter In New Family Photo — See Precious Pic

Sharing a super sweet moment with his 4-week-old great granddaughter, Kirk Douglas posed in a multi-generational photo that will melt your heart! Check it out here.

January 17, 2018
Kirk Douglas Turns 100

Kirk Douglas: Michael, Catherine Zeta-Jones & More Wish Him Happy 100Th Birthday

Happy Birthday, Kirk Douglas! The iconic star, known for legendary roles in films like ‘Spartacus’ and ’20,000 Leagues Under The Sea,’ turned 100-years-old on Dec. 9. His son, Michael Douglas, led the parade of celebs like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Edgar Wright in celebrating Kirk’s life. Click to see!

December 9, 2016

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