Silver screen legend Kirk Douglas has passed away. People confirmed that the Spartacus actor, who "had been in good health" since having a stroke in 1996, died today. He is survived by Anne Buydens, his wife of 65 years, and his three sons, Michael, Joel, and Eric.
"It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103," Michael said 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 for all of us to aspire to."
"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 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 received his very first Academy Award nomination in 1950 for his role in Champion. He was nominated for a second time in 1953 for The Bad and the Beautiful and again in 1957 for his performance as Vincent Van Gogh in Lust for Life. Kirk received an honorary Oscar in 1996 to commemorate "50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community."
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kirk's daughter-in-law, had just posted an Instagram tribute to the film icon on his 103rd birthday last December.
"This guy on my knee, is 103!!!!! Happy Birthday Pappy!!! I love you with all my heart," Zeta-Jones wrote. She hasn't commented on his passing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B52P6e6H5UE/
Source: Read Full Article
