Kirk Douglas Autograph

Profession:
(1916-2020) American actor and filmmaker.

Year of Birth: 1916

Kirk Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch on December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, New York. His parents, Bryna and Herschel, were Jewish immigrants from Chavusy, a small village in what is now Belarus. His father worked as a ragman, collecting old garments and rags and selling them for a meager income. His mother, Bryna, was a housewife.

Douglas grew up in a very poor family with six siblings. As a child, he was an excellent student, and even won a state championship in wrestling. He was determined to make something of himself, so he applied for a scholarship to St. Lawrence University. He was accepted, and earned a degree in English literature.

In 1941, Douglas enlisted in the Navy and served for four years during World War II. Upon returning to the United States in 1945, he moved to Hollywood. He found work as an extra, but was determined to make it as an actor. After a few small parts, he was cast in his first major role in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers in 1946.

Douglas quickly became one of Hollywood's leading stars, appearing in films such as Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful, Lust for Life, and Paths of Glory. He was also an accomplished producer and director, and his production company, Bryna Productions, was responsible for the Academy Award-winning Spartacus in 1960. He was nominated for three Academy Awards, and received an honorary Oscar in 1996.

In addition to his film career, Douglas was an accomplished author. He wrote several books, including his autobiography, The Ragman's Son. He was also a philanthropist and an active advocate for Jewish causes. He was widely respected for his work in fostering understanding between Jews and Arabs, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.

Kirk Douglas passed away on February 5, 2020 at the age of 103. He left behind an impressive legacy, having made over 90 films and having been nominated for three Academy Awards. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was an inspiration to many. He will be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood's history.