Kirk Douglas Saluted By Hollywood For His Talent And Real-Life Bravery In Breaking Blacklist
Hollywood lost an icon today, as Kirk Douglasdied at age 103. The acting legend drew immediate comment from friends, industryites and fans who remembered him in such films as Spartacus, Lust for Life and The Bad and the Beautiful.
The outpouring for the actor on Twitter and other social media often called him “legendary.” But that notion was tempered by the very real heroism Douglas showed by standing up to the social pressures of his time to do the right thing,
SAG-AFTRA issued a statement mourning the loss of SAG Life Achievement honoree Douglas.
“One of the last remaining legends of Hollywood’s golden age, Kirk Douglas was an extraordinary actor. He was also a powerful voice who helped end the blacklist in our industry.” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. “With his extensive body of work, he made an indelible mark on cinema. But, as a true humanitarian, his lifelong dedication to quietly supporting worthy causes may have made an even greater impact. Kirk will be deeply missed and we send our condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
The statement added: “Douglas was a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to schools, hospitals and facilities that help the homeless. He also remembered his fellow performers. Douglas and his wife Anne gave more than $40 million to the Motion Picture & Television Fund over their lifetimes and were responsible for the creation of a care facility for Alzheimer’s patients. In 2015, in honor of Douglas’ 99th birthday, the MPTF announced that it would build a new facility to be named in the actor’s honor.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg also issued a statement on Douglas’s death. “Kirk retained his movie star charisma right to the end of his wonderful life and I’m honored to have been a small part of his last 45 years. I will miss his handwritten notes, letters and fatherly advice, and his wisdom and courage – even beyond such a breathtaking body of work – are enough to inspire me for the rest of mine.”
Here is a sampling of tributes to Douglas. We’ll add more as they come in:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kirk Douglas. His performance of Ned Land in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) anchored the first all live-action feature film at The Walt Disney Studios. Our condolences are with his family and all who cherished his work. pic.twitter.com/Kdi9R5Y0sb
“I wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid in the second grade. I did a play, and my mother made a black apron, and I played a shoemaker. After the performance, [my father] gave me my first Oscar: an ice cream cone.” -Kirk Douglas
As an actor & director, I had the privilege of working with Kirk Douglas on “Posse.” He was one of the most appreciative directors I’ve ever known or worked with. He was delightful to me & made every day’s work fun. #RIPKirkDouglas
Bravo Kirk Douglas on an incredible life. Thank you for so generously sharing your amazing talent with all of us. The film we made together will always hold a special place in my heart. My love to Anne & your beautiful family. #KirkDouglas
Heartbroken. Kirk Douglas was a friend and an absolute legend of a star and human. He got better with every passing day. So honored to have known him. My love to his family. We could use a true Spartacus. #ripkirkdouglas
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.
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.
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
Screen icon and Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, has died at 103. The actor and producer had 75 films to his name, including the seminal Spartacus, and numerous awards. We remember him today for his priceless contribution to film and the film industry. pic.twitter.com/uCIDB2G4Wv
RIP #kirkdouglas I remember him walking into a lift in NYC, I was 21. After a few moments he looked up at me and said “how’s school son?” I said “good sir”. (I couldn’t tell him I never finished school.) What a moment, what a total legend he was.
Kirk Douglas Saluted By Hollywood For His Talent And Real-Life Bravery In Breaking Blacklist
Hollywood lost an icon today, as Kirk Douglas died at age 103. The acting legend drew immediate comment from friends, industryites and fans who remembered him in such films as Spartacus, Lust for Life and The Bad and the Beautiful.
The outpouring for the actor on Twitter and other social media often called him “legendary.” But that notion was tempered by the very real heroism Douglas showed by standing up to the social pressures of his time to do the right thing,
SAG-AFTRA issued a statement mourning the loss of SAG Life Achievement honoree Douglas.
“One of the last remaining legends of Hollywood’s golden age, Kirk Douglas was an extraordinary actor. He was also a powerful voice who helped end the blacklist in our industry.” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. “With his extensive body of work, he made an indelible mark on cinema. But, as a true humanitarian, his lifelong dedication to quietly supporting worthy causes may have made an even greater impact. Kirk will be deeply missed and we send our condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Related Story
Nikita Pearl Waligwa Dies: Star Of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' Was 15
The statement added: “Douglas was a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to schools, hospitals and facilities that help the homeless. He also remembered his fellow performers. Douglas and his wife Anne gave more than $40 million to the Motion Picture & Television Fund over their lifetimes and were responsible for the creation of a care facility for Alzheimer’s patients. In 2015, in honor of Douglas’ 99th birthday, the MPTF announced that it would build a new facility to be named in the actor’s honor.
Michael Douglas On Dad Kirk Douglas: “To The World He Was A Legend…To Me And My Brothers He Was Simply Dad”
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg also issued a statement on Douglas’s death. “Kirk retained his movie star charisma right to the end of his wonderful life and I’m honored to have been a small part of his last 45 years. I will miss his handwritten notes, letters and fatherly advice, and his wisdom and courage – even beyond such a breathtaking body of work – are enough to inspire me for the rest of mine.”
Here is a sampling of tributes to Douglas. We’ll add more as they come in:
Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.