Kirk Douglas

Biography

Douglas was born as Issur Danielovitch Demsky, the son of poor Jewish Russian immigrants.

He waited tables to put himself through University, where he was a champion wrestler and did theatre work. He became a professional wrestler, to pay his way through the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He had small roles on Broadway before serving in the Navy in World War II.

Producer Hal B. Wallis tested him, and gave him the lead role in 'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers', in 1946. Kirk received terrific reviews.

But true stardom came with his role as a boxer in the classic 'Champion', and he won many prime roles in films including 'The Glass Menagerie', 'The Bad and the Beautiful', '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', 'Gunfight at the O.K. Corral' and the epic, 'Spartacus', in 1960.

As the producer of 'Spartacus', he broke the Hollywood blacklist, by insisting that screen writer Dalton Trumbo be given proper credit for his work. He formed his own production company in 1955.

During the 1960's and 1970's he starred in many more notable films such as 'Town Without Pity' and 'Posse'.

He remained active in films in the 1980's and 1990's, and has written a best selling autobiography. He is also a director, producer, and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the State Department, receiving numerous awards for his efforts. He was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.

He has been married twice, to Diana Dill, mother of sons Michael and Joel, and Anne Buydens since 1954, mother of sons Eric and Peter. Michael Douglas is also now a Hollywood star.

In 1991 he survived a helicopter crash, sustaining back injuries. He also survived a stroke which has left him with disabilities. He lives in California with his wife.