Hollywood Remembers Kirk Douglas, Gives The Iconic Actor A Golden Salute
Hollywood lost one of the greats. Kirk Douglas, actor of more than 60 years, has died at age 103.
His son Michael Douglas posted a tribute on Facebook, remembering his father with fans worldwide.
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.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, director Steven Spielberg expressed honor in having the opportunity to work with the late Kirk Douglas.
“Kirk retained his movie star charisma right to the end of his wonderful life and I’m honored to have been a small part of his last 45 years,” Spielberg said in a statement. “I will miss his handwritten notes, letters and fatherly advice, and his wisdom and courage — even beyond such a breathtaking body of work — are enough to inspire me for the rest of mine.”
Daughter-in-law Catherine Zeta-Jones shared the beautiful image above along with the words:
To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight...
Th Academy was also among those who paid tribute to Douglas’ life and work.
“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
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 5, 2020
Goodbye to a Hollywood legend. pic.twitter.com/vnu1Hkb2FA
Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch in Amsterdam, New York, December 9, 1916. He was one of the last surviving stars of the film industry's Golden Age. In his lifetime, Kirk Douglas received three Academy Award nominations, an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"KIRK DOUGLAS!!!", says Sylvester Stallone. "The last great giant of my cinema heroes has passed on to Infinite glory. Amazing artist... the likes of which we will never ever see again!"
Here are some of my favorite tributes to Douglas. We’ll add more as they come in:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kirk Douglas. His performance of Ned Land in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) anchored the first all live-action feature film at The Walt Disney Studios. Our condolences are with his family and all who cherished his work. pic.twitter.com/Kdi9R5Y0sb
— The Walt Disney Family Museum (@WDFMuseum) February 6, 2020
Heartbroken. Kirk Douglas was a friend and an absolute legend of a star and human. He got better with every passing day. So honored to have known him. My love to his family. We could use a true Spartacus. #ripkirkdouglas
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) February 6, 2020
Kirk Douglas. The inspirational Scalawag. 103 years on this earth. That’s got a nice ring to it! Great hanging with you man.
— Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) February 6, 2020
KIrk Douglas will always be an icon in the pantheon of Hollywood. He put himself on the line to break the blacklist. My love goes out to my friend Michael and the whole family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) February 5, 2020
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 5, 2020
Screen icon and Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, has died at 103. The actor and producer had 75 films to his name, including the seminal Spartacus, and numerous awards. We remember him today for his priceless contribution to film and the film industry. pic.twitter.com/uCIDB2G4Wv
— Paramount Network (@paramountnet) February 5, 2020
Kirk Douglas, one of the most famous actors of all time and father to actor Michael Douglas, has died. He was 103. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/oZOSOWxHMk
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) February 5, 2020
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