Renowned Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas who gained critical acclaim for his role in the 1960 classic “Spartacus.” has died aged 103.
The legendary actor passed away on Wednesday, after having ill health for several years, TMZ reported.
His son Michael Douglas announced his death in a statement on Instagram.
Douglas played the gladiator leader of a Roman slave revolt in ‘Spartacus (Image: Getty Images)
He said: “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.”
Kirk Douglas in ‘For Love or Money’
“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,” Michael added. “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.”
Kirk with his son Michael Douglas at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in 2012 (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
The Hollywood icon racked up an incredible 92 acting credits across 75 movies, in his glittering career.
He was known for his roles as tough guys in explosive action movies.
In 1950 he was first catapulted to stardom when he played a boxer in the film Champion – a movie with earned him an academy award nomination.
He was nominated again in 1953 for the Hollywood expose The Bad and the Beautiful.
He is best well known for the 1960 smash-hit film Spartacus , which he executive produced and starred in as a gladiator leader of a Roman slave revolt.
Kirk and his wife Anne in 2012 (Image: FilmMagic)
Actor William Shatner, famous for playing Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series, was one of the first to pay tribute to the iconic actor.
He wrote: “Condolences to the family of Kirk Douglas. What an incredible icon he was in this industry!”
Kirk survived a helicopter crash in 1991 in which two other passengers were killed.The smash left Kirk with a terrible serious injury.
Kirk died aged 103 (Image: Getty Images)
In 1996 the actor suffered a stroke that left him speech impaired
Kirk once served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.S. State Department and did lots of humanitarian work.
Diana Dill, was Kirk’s first wife in the 1940s and became the mum of sons Michael and Joel.
He and Diana divorced in 1951, but he then met publicist Anne Buydens and they married in 1954.
Kirk’s is survived by Anne his children Peter Michael and Joel as well as seven grandchildren.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
