Kirk Douglas death: Son Michael Douglas shares heartbreaking tribute to Hollywood icon
6 February 2020, 12:40
Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas has died at the age of 103.
The Spartacus actor died on Wednesday (February 5) at his home in Beverly Hills, California.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne Buydens, and his three sons Michael, Joel, and Peter.
His fellow actor son Michael Douglas, announced the news of his father's death in an emotional statement online, paying tribute to his legendary father.
Michael 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.
"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.
"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."
Michael's wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, also paid tribute in the wake of her father-in-law's death, writing alongside a photo of the pair together: "To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight..."
Kirk Douglas had a stroke back in 1996, which left him with slurred speech and damaged facial nerves, but he still remained busy and attended the Academy Awards ceremony two weeks later to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was the son of Jewish Russian immigrants, and eventually became one of Hollywood's biggest ever stars.
The actor and producer made over 90 movies in total, and known for various 'tough guy' roles such as in Spartacus and The Vikings.
He was nominated three times for the best actor Oscar (in 1949 for Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful in 1953 and Lust for Life in 1957).
In more recent years, he was remembered for being one of the last surviving members of Hollywood's 'Golden Age'.
