A prominent representative of the "golden era" of Hollywood is the American actor, writer and former ambassador of the US Department of State Kirk Douglas. Films with his participation are known and remembered by many viewers. The actor is on the list of male legends of classic Hollywood cinema, currently takes first place in it.
Childhood and adolescence
Real name Iser Danilovich. Born December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, New York, in a poor family that has Jewish roots. He was the fourth child of seven children. Kirk Douglas was the only boy. His parents - Gershl and Bryna Danielovich - came from the now Belarusian city of Chausy. They moved to the United States two years after the wedding. Later, the parents changed their last name and first names to Harry and Bert Demsky.
The boy worked as a peddler of food and newspapers. The dream of an acting career appeared from the age of eight.
After school, Kirk Douglas went to college, where he became interested in wrestling. Then he entered the prestigious Academy of Dramatic Arts. He could not pay for training, but made such a strong impression on teachers that he was awarded a scholarship. After class, he worked as a waiter in a cafe. With the name Iser, the guy did not count on success in the cinema. The troupe leader suggested that he change his name to the current one. He liked the name, and he immediately agreed.
During the Second World War he served in the Navy. Later he was wounded, fell ill with dysentery, as a result of which he was commissued. While in hospital, Kirk married Diane Dill.
Carier start
After returning home to his native New York, Douglas took up an acting career. Kirk was helped in this by his old friend Lauren Backkol, who recommended a budding actor to producer Hal Wallis. Kirk made his screen debut in the drama Martha Ivers’s Strange Love. After the role, the young man received a seven-year contract, was involved in the films "From the Past", "Letter to Three Wives", "I am Always Alone." After this picture, the actor began to collaborate with the most successful American actor Bert Lancaster.
In addition to the screen, young people maintained friendships in life. Thanks to his role in the film “Champion,” Kirk received an Oscar nomination.
Movie success
Since the 1950s, Kirk Douglas has become one of the most sought after and famous actors. The film "Angry and Beautiful" brought Kirk a second Oscar nomination. He also took part in the film "Lust for Life", where he played Vincent Van Gogh. A few years later, the actor decided to establish his own production company, which sponsored some of the films in which Douglas himself starred (The Vikings, Trails of Glory).
The company sponsored films by aspiring directors. In Dalton Trumbo's painting The Lone Daredevil, the main role was played by Kirk Douglas himself. Best Spartak was Stanley Kubrick's first color film.
In 1962, Douglas bought the rights to staging Ken Kesey ’s book “Flying Over the Cuckoo's Nest.” Later, Kirk wanted to film the novel, but the idea did not arouse interest. Subsequently, his son, Michael Kirk Douglas, took up the film adaptation. Michael's films are of great interest to viewers.
Retirement
In the late 90s, the actor suffered a severe stroke, after which he could not return to the film industry. Then he started writing books. His first work was the autobiography "The Son of Ragman." After that, several more books were written, which received critical acclaim.
A second autobiographical book was also written in which Douglas talked about his life and the hard way to an acting career, as well as about meetings with Hollywood stars.
In 2011, Kirk participated in the Oscars.
Personal life
With his first wife, actress Diana Dill, Douglas lived eight years (from 1943 to 1951), after which the couple divorced. They have two children. This is the daughter of Joel Douglas and the equally famous son Michael Kirk Douglas. Films with his participation are quite popular.
Two years later, Douglas got married again. This time, his wife was the German and American actress Ann Biden. The spouses also have two children: Peter and Eric. With Anne, they still live, do charity work, donating money to schools and medical centers. At the moment, they plan to donate most of their multi-million dollar fortune.
Thanks to their help, many people were able to get back on their feet, hundreds of playgrounds were restored, and the Kirk Douglas Theater opened.
Kirk donated money to build a center to care for actors and Hollywood filmmakers who suffer from Alzheimer's.
In December 2016, the actor celebrated his centenary. The celebration was organized by son Michael and his wife. Among the guests were Steven Spielberg and Jeffre Katzenberg.
Kirk Douglas is constantly updating his page on the My Space international social network.
Douglas was one of the most popular actors in American classic cinema, playing the roles of tough guys and cops.