Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Kirk Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch on December 9, 1916, in Amsterdam, New York. He is commonly known as Kirk Douglas.
#### Birth and Death Dates
December 9, 1916 – February 5, 2020
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American Actor, Producer, and Director
Early Life and Background
Kirk Douglas grew up in a Jewish family in the small town of Amsterdam, New York. His father was a struggling tailor who died when Kirk was just two years old. This early loss motivated him to work hard from an early age. He began performing at school plays and eventually moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.
Douglas attended St. Lawrence University but dropped out after one year to join the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his service, he was wounded in a training accident on the USS Pampanito, resulting in the loss of part of his left lung and a metal plate being inserted into his chest.
Major Accomplishments
Kirk Douglas achieved significant success as an actor, starring in over 80 films throughout his career. Some of his most notable roles include:
The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) - He won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for this role.
Spartacus (1960) - He starred alongside Tony Curtis and Laurence Olivier in this epic historical drama, which was nominated for six Academy Awards.
In addition to acting, Douglas was a successful producer. He co-founded the Bryna Productions company with his wife, Anne Buydens, producing films such as:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) - A Disney classic starring James Mason and Kirk Douglas.
Lust for Life (1956) - A biographical drama about Vincent van Gogh, starring Anthony Quinn.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions in Kirk Douglas's career include:
He was a vocal advocate for the rights of Jewish people during World War II. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy to fight against the Nazi regime.
He was an outspoken critic of the Hollywood Blacklist during the Red Scare, refusing to name names or cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).
He co-founded the Screen Actors Guild's (SAG) pension plan and worked tirelessly for actors' rights throughout his career.Impact and Legacy
Kirk Douglas left a lasting impact on the film industry. His determination and perseverance in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to countless individuals, including actors, producers, and directors. He was awarded numerous accolades during his lifetime, including:
Academy Award for Best Actor (1952)
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor (1960)
Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement (1996)
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kirk Douglas is widely quoted and remembered due to his unyielding passion for the arts, his tireless advocacy for social justice, and his remarkable career achievements. His legacy extends beyond his filmography; he paved the way for future generations of actors and producers with his commitment to standing up for what was right.
Douglas's inspiring life story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. As an actor, producer, and advocate, he left behind a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and beyond.
Quotes by Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas's insights on:
Being second generation in Hollywood is complicated: Success is expected, and yet the track record of the second generation is not great. Only a small group of us, like Jane Fonda, have succeeded.
It's tough to make a movie about movies... We're all too close to it. But 'The Bad and the Beautiful' was very good.
I studied Judaism a lot. I studied religion in general, and I have never imposed my Judaism on my kids. They are what they want to be. I think... you must care for others. That's the correct religion, I think.
I'm an actor; I have made my living by acting, and I almost think I owe it to the public to express my feelings and not as a character on a screen but as myself.
All my life, I have taken inventory at intervals. For example, when I became a movie actor and suddenly I had to deal with fame, money and playing so many roles, I lost myself. I said, 'Who am I?' And I wrote my first book to deal with that, 'The Ragman's Son.'
I was not a very good Jew. I never practised what Judaism tells you to do, to teach your kids all about Judaism.
My first job was on Broadway. Then I went into the Navy. When I came out of the Navy, I went back to Broadway and a friend of mine, Lauren Bacall, was in Hollywood filming with Humphrey Bogart. She told one of her producers I was great in my play, and he saw it and cast me in 'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers'.
I love talking to interesting people - people like O.J. Simpson, Andretti... I love champions. A champion has something special about him.