Famous actor and Hollywood legend, Kirk Douglas, has died at the age of 103.
He died at his home in Beverly Hills, California, from natural causes.
His son, Michael Douglas, who is also an actor, said in a statement, “It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today. To the world, he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies… but to me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad.”
“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,” added Michael.
Michael’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, posted a photo of the two together and wrote, “I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already.”
In 1996, Kirk suffered a severe stroke that impaired his ability to speak.
Kirk was known for playing a variety of roles, including the 1960 classic Spartacus, in which he played the titular character.
Born in New York in December 1916, Kirk rose to prominence during Hollywood’s “golden age.” He was a prolific actor, with over 90 credits to his name, ranging from the 1940s to the 2000s.
He was nominated thrice for an Oscar award – Champion (1949), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), and Lust for Life (1956).
Kirk received the honorary award in 1996 in recognition of his 50 years in Hollywood.
Steven Spielberg, who knew Kirk personally, told the Hollywood Reporter that he made a “breathtaking body of work.” The famous director said, “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.”
