Kirk Douglas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kirk Douglas
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Douglas c. 1955
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| Born |
Issur Danielovitch Demsky
December 9, 1916 Amsterdam, New York, U.S.
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| Died | February 5, 2020 (aged 103) |
| Other names | Izzy Demsky Isador Demsky |
| Education | St. Lawrence University |
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| Years active | 1946–2008 |
| Political party | Democratic |
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| Children | Michael (b. 1944) Joel (b. 1947) Peter (b. 1955) Eric (1958–2004) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941–1944 |
| Rank |  LTJG |
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Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch; December 9, 1916 – February 5, 2020) was a famous American actor, filmmaker, and writer. He lived to be over 100 years old. He was one of the last big stars from Hollywood's "Golden Age."
Kirk Douglas started his film career in 1946 with The Strange Love of Martha Ivers. He quickly became a popular star in the 1950s. He was known for his intense acting style. He appeared in more than 90 movies.
His role in Champion (1949) made him an international star. This movie also earned him his first nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor. Other early films include Young Man with a Horn (1950) and Ace in the Hole (1951). He received more Oscar nominations for The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) and for playing Vincent van Gogh in Lust for Life (1956).
In 1955, Kirk Douglas started his own company, Bryna Productions. This company produced important films like Paths of Glory (1957) and Spartacus (1960). He worked with director Stanley Kubrick on these two movies. He also produced and starred in Lonely Are the Brave (1962) and Seven Days in May (1964). He made seven films with his friend Burt Lancaster.
In 1963, he starred in the Broadway play One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. He bought the rights to the story. Later, he gave them to his son Michael Douglas, who made it into an Oscar-winning movie.
Kirk Douglas was an actor and also a generous person who gave to charity. He received many honors, including an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a writer, he wrote ten books. He is considered one of the greatest male actors from classic Hollywood.
After a helicopter crash in 1991 and a stroke in 1996, he focused more on his spiritual life. He lived with his second wife, Anne Buydens, who was also a producer.
Kirk Douglas made a rare public appearance at the 2018 Golden Globes. He was 101 years old. He received a standing ovation and helped present an award.
He passed away at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on February 5, 2020, at the age of 103.
Kirk Douglas's Early Life and Journey to Acting
Kirk Douglas was born in Amsterdam, New York. His parents were Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire. At home, his family spoke Yiddish.
His father's brother had moved to the United States earlier. He used the last name Demsky, which Kirk's family also adopted. Kirk grew up as Izzy Demsky. He legally changed his name to Kirk Douglas before joining the United States Navy during World War II. Many actors at that time changed their names to sound more American.
In his book The Ragman's Son, Kirk Douglas wrote about his tough childhood. He had six sisters, and his family struggled to make ends meet. He sold snacks to workers to help buy food. He also delivered newspapers. He had over forty different jobs before he became an actor.
Kirk first wanted to act after reciting a poem in kindergarten. He loved the applause he received. In high school, he acted in plays and knew he wanted to be a professional actor. He couldn't afford college tuition. He convinced the dean at St. Lawrence University to give him a loan. He paid it back by working as a gardener and janitor.
He was also a great wrestler in college. His acting talent was noticed at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He received a special scholarship there.
In 1941, he joined the United States Navy after the United States entered World War II. He worked as a communications officer on a ship. He was medically discharged in 1944 due to injuries from an accident.
He married Diana Dill in 1943. They had two sons, Michael (born 1944) and Joel (born 1947). They later divorced in 1951.
After the war, Kirk Douglas worked in radio, theater, and commercials in New York City. He acted in radio soap operas. His big break on stage came when he took over a role in the play Kiss and Tell (1943).
Kirk Douglas had planned to stay a stage actor. However, his friend, Lauren Bacall, helped him get his first film role. She recommended him to a producer who was looking for new male actors.
Images for kids
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Spartacus (1960)
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With Joan Tetzel in the 1963 Broadway play One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
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Douglas in 1975
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Douglas with Lana Turner in The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)
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Douglas with Zubin Mehta, March 2011
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Anne Buydens and Douglas at the 2003 Jefferson Awards for Public Service ceremony
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Douglas, his wife Anne, and President Ronald Reagan, December 1987
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President Jimmy Carter greets Anne and Kirk Douglas, March 1978
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Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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Douglas's star is located at the famous Hollywood and Vine intersection.
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His handprints and footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre
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Dean O'Gorman portrayed Kirk Douglas in Trumbo (2015)
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See also
In Spanish: Kirk Douglas para niños
