Veteran Actor Kirk Douglas Dies at the Age of 103

The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' Last 70mm Film Festival Screening Of "Spartacus"

Veteran actor Kirk Douglas has passed away at the age of 103, his family said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

The renowned actor and father of Michael Douglas, passed away Wednesday after a recent decline in health.

"It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103," his son, Michael Douglas told People magazine in a statement. "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 of us all to aspire to."

He added: "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 grandchildren, 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 said. "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."

The Hollywood legend earned over 92 acting credits and starred in some 75 movies over the course of his long and storied career. Douglas was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in 1950 for his role in "Champion" as boxer Midge Kelly. He was also nominated twice for an Oscar for producing "The Bad and the Beautiful" in 1953 and "Lust for Life" in 1957. He was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1996 for his 50 years in the industry as a creative and moral force in the industry. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Jimmy Carter in 1981 and was once voted the 36th greatest movie star of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

Douglas was also known for his extensive humanitarian and philanthropic work, including his time as Goodwill Ambassador for the U.S. State Department.

He's survived by Anbne, his sons Michael, Joel and Peter, and seven grandchildren.

Photo: Getty Images


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