The world, on Wednesday, encountered the tragic news of silver screen star Kirk Douglas passing away at the age of 103. Kirk's son Michael Douglas broke the news on social media platforms with a heart-wrenching note along with a picture of his late father. Kirk, who was undoubtedly a titan of the entertainment industry, gave cinema and acting a new dimension with his larger-than-life roles. One of the greatest stars Hollywood has ever experienced, the veteran actor indeed left behind a legacy nobody can match.

Michael, in his note for this father, wrote that though he was a legend for his admirers, his kin saw Kirk as the ideal family man. He further added that his father lived 'well' and his legacy will be remembered for generations together while his philanthropic work will bring peace to the world. He concluded the note by recalling his wish for Kirk on his last birthday. He wrote, 'Dad- I love you so much and I am so proud to be your son'.

 

 

 

 

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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. 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. #KirkDouglas

A post shared by Michael Douglas (@michaelkirkdouglas) on Feb 5, 2020 at 3:33pm PST

Recommended Read: Golden Globes 2019: Michael Douglas dedicates win to his father Kirk Douglas

Talking about the late star, he was born to Russian immigrant parents and was a self-made actor who established himself following World War II by banking on his athletic physique and looks. Kirk, before venturing into Hollywood, did stage performance in his formative years and attended St Lawrence University by securing a scholarship in wrestling. He then secured admission at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. In 1914, the Champion actor made his Broadway debut and two years later, he said 'I Do' to Diana Dilli, his classmate at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. The couple embraced parenthood with the birth of Michael and Joel. Soon, they called it quits. 

Kirk, post serving the Navy during World War II, he made an entry into Hollywood, courtesy his colleague who recommended his name to producer Hal Wallis. Years later, he became a face who could be called an acting legend. From Champion (1949), The Bad And The Beautiful (1952), 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954), Lust For Life (1956) to Spartacus (1960) and Lonely Are The Brave (1962), Kirk proved that his acting mettle can never be touched by anyone else.

However, he focused his attention on devoting time to his charitable foundation Douglas Foundation to combat elder abuse and homelessness with his second wife, Anne Buydens, whom he married in 1954. Kirk, in 1996 suffered a stroke which impaired his speech. Workwise, Kirk received an honourary Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Kennedy Center Honors award and also a prize named for him at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

RIP, legend!

(Source: Instagram/ CNN)