Share

Hollywood pays tribute to legendary actor Kirk Douglas

Cape Town – "A true Spartacus," said Seinfeld star, Jason Alexander, of Kirk Douglas, when he paid his respects to the actor on Wednesday after hearing the news of his death.

Actor, producer and director, Kirk Douglas, died on 5 February 2020 at the age of 103 in his Beverly Hills home. Douglas is survived by his wife, Anne Buydens, and three sons, Joel, Michael and Peter.

Michael Douglas confirmed the news on Instagram writing, "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.

"Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true," Michael said.

"Dad - I love you so much and I am so proud to be your son."

View this post on Instagram

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

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences led tributes, tweeting, "Goodbye to a Hollywood legend," while Breaking Bad star, Bryan Cranston shared a picture with the legend, recalling how he "risked his career and financial stability to do the right thing to help break the Blacklist".

"That kind of heroism makes all of us stand up and shout, I AM SPARTACUS," he tweeted.

From Catherine Zeta-Jones to Danny DeVito, see Hollywood pay tribute to the actor here:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE