Kirk Douglas biography, best roles, children, son, age and cause of death, height

Biography of Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas was a legendary actor who appeared in nearly 100 films and left an indelible mark on global culture, bringing to life characters like Spartacus and Ulysses. The son of a Jewish immigrant, he became a star of world cinema and the golden age of American film. He received three Oscar nominations and one Oscar for his contribution to cinema. Hollywood’s oldest actor passed away on February 5, 2020, at the age of 103.

Childhood and Family

In 1910, Herschel and Bryna Danielovitch emigrated to the United States from pre-revolutionary Russian empire, leaving the small town of Chausy in the Mogilev Governorate (now part of Belarus). They moved to the city of Amsterdam, New York, where Herschel's brother had already settled in the local Jewish community. To assimilate, Herschel took the name Harry, Bryna became Bertha, and their surname changed to the more English-friendly "Demsky."

Unfortunately, the family's hopes for a bright future in this new world did not materialize. The residents of American Amsterdam were, to say the least, unfriendly towards Jews. The city had dozens of factories, but no one wanted to hire a Jew. Back home, Herschel traded horses and was quite well-off. In America, he could barely afford a horse and a modest cart. He became a junk dealer, buying various junk from townspeople and selling it as scrap. Even among poor immigrants, the Danielovitch family was at the lowest rung.

The couple's seven children grew up in abject poverty. The only son, whom the world would later know as Kirk Douglas, was named Issur at birth in 1916. From a young age, he had to work to help feed the family: he delivered milk and newspapers, sold candy to factory workers, and took on any job to earn a few pennies. He had around forty different jobs before becoming an actor.

The junk dealer's son's acting talents showed early. When the whole family gathered for Jewish holidays and birthdays, Izzy delighted them by impersonating the movie idols of the time and reciting excerpts from classic works in a mix of Yiddish and English. He kept his dream of becoming an actor a secret from his parents and decided to move to New York after graduating from college.

The Difficult Path to Success

The Academy of Dramatic Arts was a stepping stone for Izzy to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor, but to conquer it, he needed money, which he, of course, didn't have. During the entrance exams, Lady Luck intervened in the life of the junkman's son and gave him a chance.

Tall, resembling a Greek god, and moreover a talented young man with a resolute chin impressed the committee members so much that they couldn't help but decide to admit him and grant the future star a scholarship. Later, one of the teachers suggested that Izzy take a stage name, and soon the young actor debuted in the theater as Kirk Douglas.

During World War II, the actor decided to go to the front, but the commission found that he had weak eyesight. Exercises and self-suggestion helped Kirk restore his vision, and he was selected for naval service.

Kirk Douglas is the pseudonym of Izzy Danielovich

The actor didn't have to fight for long – fortune seemed to protect him. Kirk, who was injured, was sent to the hospital and deemed unfit for further service. He returned to civilian life. He would later balance on the edge of death many times, each time miraculously surviving.

Best Movie Roles

Audiences first saw the young actor in the 1946 film "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers," where he played the husband of the main character, who ruined her own life and his, indirectly leading to his suicide. His co-stars were Barbara Stanwyck and Lizabeth Scott.

Kirk Douglas and Barbara Stanwyck in 'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers'

Kirk's rise to fame came in the 1950s, and for his role as boxer Midge in the 1949 film "Champion," he received his first Oscar nomination.

Over several years, Douglas starred in ten films and became one of the most popular actors. Newspapers headlined him as the most handsome man in Hollywood, and theaters saw long lines of eager fans.

Another landmark film in Douglas's career is "The Bad and the Beautiful," which earned him a second Oscar nomination and the experience of working with Lana Turner, Rosemary Bartlow, Barry Sullivan, and Walter Pidgeon. In the 1952 film, which exceeded all expectations, Kirk brilliantly played a narcissistic rich producer whom three failed individuals blame for their ruined dreams. Kirk's aristocratic looks are especially evident in this film, and his deep and nuanced performance is considered a pinnacle of acting mastery.

Kirk Douglas with Lana Turner in 'The Bad and the Beautiful'

In 1954, the historical drama "Ulysses" was released, in which Douglas transformed into the hero of the ancient Greek epic Odysseus, returning home after the Trojan War. Anthony Quinn joined him in this film. Even 60 years later, the film remains relevant, and Kirk's stunts impress with both power and grace.

That same year, the actor appeared as a professional racer in the dramatic film "The Racers," and the following year he played Van Gogh in the legendary film "Lust for Life," earning an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe.

In the next five years, Kirk effortlessly transformed into various characters: detectives and criminals, betrayed husbands and frivolous lovers, doctors, military generals, cowboys, and Vikings.

The film adaptation of Howard Fast's novel about Spartacus, who dared to challenge authority, forever etched Kirk Douglas's name in cinematic history as one of the brightest actors of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Spartacus - Kirk Douglas

Throughout his incredibly prolific career, Kirk starred in nearly 100 films. His notable roles in legendary films that are now part of the world's cultural heritage include "The Last Sunset," "Seven Days in May," "Cast a Giant Shadow," "The Way West," "The Legend of Silent Night," "The Fury," "The Man from Snowy River," and others .

In the early 1970s, Kirk tried his hand at directing, presenting the Westerns "Posse" and "Scalawag," starring in both. While the first film received mixed reviews, the second was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Kirk Douglas appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1973)

At the Edge of Life

In 1991, the actor almost died in a plane crash. He was flying in a helicopter from São Paulo, Brazil, with two pilots. Shortly after takeoff, a small plane collided with the helicopter. Both of Kirk's companions died—rescuers took an hour and a half to retrieve their bodies from the wreckage. Despite his advanced age (he was already 74), the actor only injured his back.

Kirk Douglas almost died in a plane crash

Five years later, Douglas suffered a stroke. The consequences were catastrophic: he could not speak clearly, could barely hear or see, and his limbs were unresponsive.

At one point, Kirk lost his will to live. Tired of fighting, he tried to shoot himself in the face, but his trembling hands only managed to hit his teeth with the gun. He immediately realized that fate had once again saved him from death, sparing him from an irreparable mistake.

A long recovery process began. When hope for recovery seemed lost, speech therapy helped—his speech began to return. In 1999, Kirk, having crossed the eighty-year mark, starred in the comedy-drama “Diamonds,” playing a former boxer and now a lonely old man with paralysis. Viewers were amazed: "It's incredible how convincingly Douglas played the role!" not knowing he didn’t need to get into character.

Kirk Douglas receives a Honorary Oscar (1996)

Douglas survived the stroke and managed to return to full-time work, although he never regained complete control over his body. In the 2004 drama “It Runs in the Family,” he acted alongside Diana Dill, his first wife, his son Michael Douglas, and his grandson Cameron. The film also featured Rory Culkin, Michelle Monaghan, and Kelli Overton. In the drama “Illusion,” Brian Cranston and Ron Marasco joined Kirk.

Kirk Douglas with his son Michael and grandson Cameron in the film ‘It Runs in the Family’

His last role is considered to be Jim Kovalski from the film "Empire State Building Murders" in the mockumentary genre, released in 2008.

As he approached 90, age finally took its toll—in his final years, the actor did not appear in films.

Kirk Douglas' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Books

Kirk's first book was published in 1988. It is an autobiographical novel titled "The Ragman's Son," in which the actor describes his life and the challenges he faced on his way to fame.

“I am a happy man who has achieved everything one could dream of,” the actor writes.

In the next few years, Kirk wrote several more works, including romance-adventure novels that earned critical acclaim and brought him fame as a talented storyteller. It is "Dance With the Devil," "Last Tango in Brooklyn," "The Gift," and others.

Personal Life of Kirk Douglas

While undergoing treatment after being wounded on the front, Kirk saw a photo of a young actress, Diana Love Dill, and pointed her out to his roommates, saying she would be his future wife.

Kirk Douglas with his first wife Diana Love Webster

In reality, Kirk and Diana had attended the Academy together, but Kirk was busy studying and working and didn't remember her. They met again in 1943, and they got married that same year.

The marriage didn't last long. Shortly after the birth of their second son, they divorced but remained good friends and stayed in touch throughout their lives. Michael Douglas became a well-known actor and award winner, while Joel became a producer.

Anne Buydens, who became Spartacus' second wife, gave birth to two more boys: Peter, who also became an actor, and Eric, who followed in his father's footsteps but struggled with success and turned to drugs.

Kirk Douglas with his wife Anne Buydens and children

In 2004, Eric Douglas was found dead. When Michael started using drugs and alcohol, a stern talk with his father was enough. Kirk said, "I worked so hard to climb out of the dirt, and you are so eager to crawl back in!"

Recent Years and Death

In 2019, the legendary Spartacus, known as the most handsome man in the world, was the oldest actor on the planet. He turned 103 in December 2019.

What Kirk Douglas Looked Like at 102

Kirk had not acted since 2004 but engaged in philanthropy and regularly donated large sums to various funds and nursing homes for lonely elderly people.

Kirk attributed his longevity to a happy marriage with Anne, who turned 100 in 2019. He maintained his interest in life, sharp mind, and sense of humor.

According to Michael Douglas, despite his father no longer being able to move independently, he trained with a coach every day, communicated with friends, and dedicated much time to writing.

Kirk rarely appeared in public. In early 2018, he participated in an auction and acquired several paintings, adding to his art collection, considered one of the largest and most valuable in the world.

Pictured: Kirk Douglas in the Last Years of His Life

On February 5, 2020, Michael Douglas announced his father's death. The cause of Kirk Douglas's death was not disclosed, but it was evident that it occurred due to natural causes given his age.