The star of Hollywood's golden era is no more!
One of Hollywood's most beloved veterans and last surviving stars of the golden era passed away on February 5, 2020, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 103, reports the BBC.
With his rugged looks, jutted jaw, and piercing eyes, not only did he win the heart of millions around the world but he also proved himself to be one of Hollywood's most cherished actors with movies like Lust for Life, Spartacus, and Paths of Glory.
That the world would miss him is an understatement!
His son and Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas took to Instagram to announce this tragic news and pay a heartfelt tribute. He not only called him a "legend," but also a "humanitarian", and a "wonderful father-in-law and husband."
"It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103," he wrote on his Instagram account. "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."
He went on to say that Kirk's long-life has been "well-lived" and his legacy in films and philanthropy will live on.
He concluded by saying, "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." The senior Douglas had celebrated his 103rd birthday just two months back on December 9.
Michael Douglas' wife and actress Catherine Zeta-Jones also posted an adorable picture of hers with the late actor and bid an emotional goodbye. To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight..." she wrote.
Furthermore, some of the brightest names of Hollywood have come out and paid tribute to the legendary actor and it shows, just how much Hollywood will miss him.
Condolences to the family of Kirk Douglas. What an incredible icon he was in this industry! 😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 5, 2020
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
— Mitzi Gaynor (@TheMitziGaynor) February 5, 2020
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.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) February 5, 2020
Not just the industry insiders but his fans around the world are equally saddened by his demise and Twitter has been flooded by tribute messages from the global Twitterati.
I was 8 years old vacationing with my parents, he came over and loudly said, "Paul",hugged my father and asked me to dance! It was a wonderful time. with a lovely gracious man, he always remembered our dance and always asked about my parents. My favorite memory of #KirkDouglas pic.twitter.com/RttFBMkWEo
— Monika Henreid (@MEHenreid) February 6, 2020
We are so sad to hear about the passing of #KirkDouglas. He’s really the last of the leading men of the Golden era in Hollywood. But what a life he had! 103!! Incredible! Mr. Douglas, you are national monument. Thank you for your art & great films. “I AM SPARTACUS!” pic.twitter.com/ej0QRIGkyY
— Lucille Ball Tribute (@LucyTributePage) February 6, 2020
"I was not a tough guy," Kirk Douglas once told the Guardian. "I just acted like one.” A giant died today at the age of 103. Few, if any, Hollywood stars conveyed more effortless, roiling intensity, at rest or in motion. RIP. #KirkDouglas pic.twitter.com/NOC37uu9hl
— Michael Phillips (@phillipstribune) February 5, 2020
Not only as a supremely talented actor and a philanthropist, but he will also continue to keep inspiring people for the thorough family man he was. In a world hidden behind glitz and glamour, it is hard to come across love stories that would touch your heart in a special way. Kirk and Anne's companionship of six decades has shown the world that one loving companion is all you need to lead a loving and content life.
As we lose an evergreen star today we promise to never forget the values he left behind. Our prayers and condolences with the Douglas family!
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51394855
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/05/entertainment/kirk-douglas-obit/index.html
