Movie icon Kirk Douglas passed away on Wednesday (February 5) at the age of 103.
His son, Michael Douglas, announced the news on social media.
“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,” Michael wrote on Instagram, adding, “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,” he continued. “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.”
One of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, he went on to become an ambassador, philanthropist and best-selling author well into his 90s. He also continued to act, appearing in films and TV shows until the early aughts.
Hollywood has come together to pay tribute to the screen legend’s life and legacy.
Michael Douglas’ wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, paid tribute to her father-in-law with a sweet black and white photo of the two of them from Kirk’s 103rd birthday on Instagram. “To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight…” she captioned the pic.
Steven Spielberg (via The Hollywood Reporter): “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. I will miss his handwritten notes, letters and fatherly advice, and his wisdom and courage — even beyond such a breathtaking body of work — are enough to inspire me for the rest of mine.”
Jamie Lee Curtis shared a throwback pic from the set of Kirk’s 1960s film Spartacus. “’I love you Spartacus, like the father I never had.’ Antoninus,” she wrote. “I did have a father and he LOVED you as the world loved you. Your Passion.Talent. Politics. Family. Art. Strength. I grew up with the Douglas boys. My love to Anne and all his family from mine.”
George Takei tweeted, “Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has passed on today at the age of 103. An Academy Award winning actor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Douglas was a champion for many just causes and lived a long and storied life. He was adored and beloved, and he shall be missed.”
Lucy Lawless wrote, “What a lege! Shine on, Kirk Douglas. Forever a star.”
Bruce Campbell shared, “Kirk! A pillar of Hollywood has fallen. Nobody danced on Viking oars like you! Safe travels, stud!”
William Shatner expressed, “Condolences to the family of Kirk Douglas. What an incredible icon he was in this industry!”
Danny DeVito wrote, “Kirk Douglas. The inspirational Scalawag. 103 years on this earth. That’s got a nice ring to it! Great hanging with you man.”
The Academy bid Kirk, “Goodbye to a Hollywood legend.”
The Golden Globe Awards wrote, “Kirk Douglas, one of the most famous actors of all time and father to actor Michael Douglas, has died. He was 103. Rest in Peace.”
Walt Disney Family Museum tweeted, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kirk Douglas. His performance of Ned Land in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) anchored the first all live-action feature film at The Walt Disney Studios. Our condolences are with his family and all who cherished his work.”
Rest in love, Kirk.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Douglas family.
