Hollywood icon, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Kirk Douglas dead at 103
Kirk Douglas, a Hollywood icon and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, has died at 103.
The honorary Academy Award winner died Wednesday, his son, actor Michael Douglas, said in an Instagram post.
“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,” Douglas wrote.
The star of “Spartacus” – the 1960 film that helped to end the Hollywood blacklist – didn’t shy away from discussing politics during his career that spanned more than six decades.
In a 2012 interview with Variety, Douglas said of making “Spartacus” that “the [political] climate was similar to the climate we’re having now. And what I mean by that is, there are too many Republicans, too many Democrats, and not enough Americans.”
When asked in 2017 about President Trump’s election victory, Douglas, a lifelong Democrat, told The Guardian, “That’s an unfair question.”
“Let’s just say I didn’t vote for him,” he added.
Douglas was recognized by multiple commanders in chief, and in 1981, President Jimmy Carter awarded the performer the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor. Douglas also received the National Medal of Arts award from President George W. Bush in 2002.
On Instagram, Michael Douglas wrote, “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.”
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
