Michael Douglas Pens Poignant Tribute To His Father, Kirk Douglas, After His Death At Age 103
Kirk Douglas, the leading actor of many golden age films including Spartacus and Lonely Are the Brave, passed away yesterday at the age of 103.
He starred in more than 90 films during his 60-year acting career.
Fans and celebrities alike are mourning the loss of the golden age actor, sharing their favorite moments and memories from his life and work.
Many fans have taken to Twitter to celebrate the actor in light of his passing, and celebrities are showing their support.
Kirk Douglas, one of the most famous actors of all time and father to actor Michael Douglas, has died. He was 103.… https://t.co/aumx1HJVpm— Golden Globe Awards (@Golden Globe Awards) 1580945952
Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has passed on today at the age of 103. An Academy Award winning actor and recipient of… https://t.co/xMOHEQRR0g— George Takei (@George Takei) 1580945493
Kirk Douglas was one of the greatest actors of all time. A few years ago Deb & I went around for tea. It was one o… https://t.co/Zadd61Uu6G— Hugh Jackman (@Hugh Jackman) 1580998575
KIrk Douglas will always be an icon in the pantheon of Hollywood. He put himself on the line to break the blacklist… https://t.co/BcrAx9LaDP— Rob Reiner (@Rob Reiner) 1580946261
Kirk Douglas was one of the biggest stars of all time & a brilliant actor with an unforgettable, blazing charisma.… https://t.co/7FXD0z6JR2— Mark Hamill (@Mark Hamill) 1580951375
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Kirk Douglas, who received a Britannia Award for his Worldwide Contributi… https://t.co/0KjuuSCzGA— BAFTA (@BAFTA) 1580987551
One of the great American actors has passed today. Kirk Douglas. A man with the courage to stand up to the blacklis… https://t.co/QWcgucHnsR— Kiefer Sutherland (@Kiefer Sutherland) 1581012953
In 1973 I had the honor to work with the great Kirk Douglas. RIP. My condolences to the Douglas family. https://t.co/FvhXJbHdOR— Anthony Hopkins (@Anthony Hopkins) 1581012364
In 1980, the Festival had the immense honour of welcoming Kirk Douglas to the Jury which awarded the Palme d’or to… https://t.co/faVQjD7KVa— Festival de Cannes (@Festival de Cannes) 1580986312
Sad to hear that Kirk Douglas has died. One of the last legends of the classic film era. He was 103. All sympathies… https://t.co/uGiTB7MymO— Time For A Film 💙🌻 (@Time For A Film 💙🌻) 1580987352
Making the day even more special, Kirk Douglas's son, Michael Douglas, posted a touching tribute over on Instagram, which is making his fellow celebrities and fans emotional.
Michael Douglas posted:
"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."
In response to his loving tribute, multiple actors and TV personalities chimed in with their support.
Catherine Zeta Jones of course responded to her husband's heartfelt tribute:
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Daymond John, "the people's Shark" from Shark Tank, expressed his condolences:
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Actress Sarah Baker chimed in:
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Actress Kali Hawk sent her love:
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Like so many of us, comedian Tony Baker was completely blown away by the news:
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Actress Sela Ward also sent her love and condolences to the family:
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Not to mention, countless adoring fans also commented in their mourning.
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Every time we lose a celebrity, there will always be those who mourn. But it's especially emotional when the lost celebrity is a force like Kirk Douglas, who may well be the very last of the stars from the golden age of film. Douglas—born in New York city in 1916 as Issur Danielovitch—lived out an acting career most only aspire to.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Douglas.