Kirk Douglas, Iconic ‘Spartacus’ Star, Dies At 103

Kirk Douglas, one of the most prominent actors of the mid-20th century, passed away on Wednesday in his home in Beverly Hills at age 103. No cause of death was given.

The Hollywood Golden Age actor was nominated three times in his life for best actor by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for Champion (1949), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) and Lust for Life (1956). In 1960, Douglas performed his most notable role in Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus as a rebellious Roman slave. He has also received an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Douglas, born on December 9, 1916, made his film debut in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) after serving in World War II in the U.S. Navy. Soon afterward, Douglas developed into a leading Hollywood sensation throughout the 50’s, often cast as a tough guy in film.

Douglas will also be remembered for his off-screen devotion to humanitarian causes and his involvement with numerous volunteer and philanthropic activites. He donated to various schools, medical facilities, and non-profit organizations in southern California.

His son, Michael Douglas, took to Instagram to post a tribute for the late actor.

Michael’s caption states, “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’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, also posted admiration for Douglas through her Instagram.

“To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight…”

Douglas was one of the last great movie stars of his generation. A private funeral for the icon is planned, and a memorial service will be planned.

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