Wednesday was a sad day for the entertainment industry. Iconic Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, star of classic Hollywood films such as Spartacus and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and father of actor Michael Douglas, died at the age of 103. The news was shared by Michael, who spoke for the Douglas family about the loss of not just the beloved actor, but a man who was a humanitarian as well.
Videos by ComicBook.com
“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 People. “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.”
Douglas had a long, and impressive career and was nominated three times for best actor by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1996. Over the course of his career, Douglas appeared in more than 80 movies before his retirement in 2004, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that has left indelible marks across not just film and television, but other forms of media as well.
As news of his death began to circulate on Wednesday, celebrities began taking to social media to honor the man who wasn’t just a film icon but was also known for standing up for his beliefs, including his pushback against McCarthy Era blacklisting in Hollywood by starring in 1960’s Spartacus, a film written by the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo.
Read on for how celebrities are remembering the late, great Kirk Douglas.
(Photo: John Kobal Foundation / Getty Images)
Rob Reiner
KIrk Douglas will always be an icon in the pantheon of Hollywood. He put himself on the line to break the blacklist. My love goes out to my friend Michael and the whole family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) February 5, 2020
Frances Fisher
Rest in Power Mr. Douglas
— Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) February 5, 2020
The first actor I ever saw on a screen: #Spartacus
Remembering his presence even to this day.
Amongst his many honors: The Presidential Medal of Freedom. #RIPKirkDouglas https://t.co/XCiFkJIY3Y
Marc Bernardin
#RIP Kirk Douglas. Stood for shit at a time when few of his ilk did. https://t.co/ECI0g7xrDE
— Marc Bernardin (@marcbernardin) February 5, 2020
William Shatner
Condolences to the family of Kirk Douglas. What an incredible icon he was in this industry! 😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 5, 2020
George Takei
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 5, 2020
David Harewood
Today, we’re all Spartacus. RIP Mr Douglas
— David Harewood (@DavidHarewood) February 5, 2020
Kirk Douglas, Hollywood Icon and Spartacus Star, Dies at 103 https://t.co/eaXxESYwXm
Kirk Acevedo
Kirk Douglas
— kirk acevedo (@kirkacevedo) February 5, 2020
Rest In Peace!#Spartacus👊🏽 #KidVicious🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/X3J8IgfrOi
Ed Asner
I will always be in awe. May your memory forever be a blessing #KirkDouglas https://t.co/9zEWwyUzic
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) February 5, 2020
The Golden Globes
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. pic.twitter.com/oZOSOWxHMk
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) February 5, 2020
Related Posts
-
Pain of the Akatsuki from Naruto -
Pochita in Chainsaw Man -
Yuta Okkotsu and Rika in Jujutsu Kaisen 0
