Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas dies aged 103

06 Feb 2020 |

Kirk Douglas, one of the last surviving actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood passed away at his Beverly Hills home Wednesday surrounded by his family. His heartbroken son, Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas, broke the news to the media on behalf of the family.

In a career that spanned nearly 100 movies, Kirk Douglas will always be remembered for his magnetic performance as a rebellious Roman slave in the film Spartacus. Although he never won an Oscar, in 1996 he was given an Honorary Academy Award for "50 years as a moral and creative force in the motion picture community." The award was presented by producer/director Steven Spielberg who was a great admirer of the iconic actor.

Douglas is survived by his wife of 65 years Anne Buydens and his three sons Michael, Joel, and Peter.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the globe on social media with Michael Douglas himself posting a moving tribute to his father.

View this post on Instagram

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 set a standard for all of us to aspire to. 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. 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. #KirkDouglas

A post shared by Michael Douglas (@michaelkirkdouglas) on Feb 5, 2020 at 3:33pm PST