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Legendary Actor Kirk Douglas Dies At 103

Legendary Actor Kirk Douglas Dies At 103

The Hollywood star was one of the last survivors of the film industry's Golden Age

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has died aged 103.

The Hollywood star was one of the last survivors of the film industry's Golden Age.

The actor's son, Michael Douglas, released a statement to PEOPLE, which read: "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.

Kirk in one of his most famous films, Spartacus.
Universal International

"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."

PA

The centenarian was nominated for three Academy Awards during his career, and was presented with an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1998 as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.

He also received nominations from the Emmys, Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes and BAFTAs, among others.

Douglas starred in Spartacus, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Vikings, The Indian Fighter and many more films which are widely regarded as classics.

The actor was listed at number 17 by the American Film Institute's list of the greatest male screen legends in American film history.

PA

Michael Douglas' wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, also released a statement about her father-in-law's passing.

"To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life," the 50-year-old wrote on Instagram. "I miss you already. Sleep tight."

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill wrote on Twitter: "Kirk Douglas was one of the biggest stars of all time & a brilliant actor with an unforgettable, blazing charisma. He will also be remembered for putting his career on the line by defying the Hollywood Blacklist, hiring writer Dalton Trumbo for the classic Spartacus."

John Wayne added: "Rest in Peace to the great Kirk Douglas. Duke & Kirk starred in 3 films together, In Harm's Way, Cast a Giant Shadow, & The War Wagon. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Douglas family during this time."

RIP Kirk Douglas; forever a legend of the industry.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Celebrity, News