Actor Kirk Douglas, one of the last links to Hollywood’s Golden Age, died this week at 103. His son, actor Michael Douglas, confirmed his death in an announcement posted to Facebook. Born Issur Danielovitch to Russian Jewish immigrants from what is now Belarus, he attended university on a wrestling scholarship supplemented by gardening and janitorial work. His big break came with 1949’s Champion, about a boxer’s ruthless progression to the top of his sport.
Perhaps his most iconic role was as the title character of Spartacus (1960). Douglas used his clout to ensure that Dalton Trumbo was credited as screenwriter despite being on Hollwood’s Cold War-era blacklist. He was nominated for three Oscars but passed over each time before the Academy recognized him with an honorary award. His four sons, from two marriages, followed him into the industry as actors and producers. His youngest, Eric, predeceased him in 2004. Douglas was weakened by a stroke in 1996 but remained undaunted, even mounting a one-man show in its aftermath.
