Screen legend Kirk Douglas marked his 102nd birthday and as the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, there was no shortage of well wishers.
His career spans decades during which time he has been producer, director and author with ten novels and memoirs to his name.
Kirk Douglas‘ wife of 64 years Anne Buydens, who is 99 years old, was by his side for his birthday celebrations as they came out of their stunning home to see the beautiful flowers that adoring fans had left.
But perhaps the most moving tributes were those posted by his loving family, which have touched the hearts of thousands around the world.
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Kirk, who has been forced to use a wheelchair ever since suffering from a stroke in 1996, was seen on his birthday sitting alongside and holding the hand of his wife.
Lust for Life
The Spartacus and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea star met his second wife producer Anne in Paris while acting on location for Lust for Life. They are still inseparable today.
They had two sons together in Peter and Eric, though Eric sadly passed away in 2004 at the age of 46.
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Perhaps the most stunning tribute was made by Kirk’s daughter-in-law, actress Catherina Zeta-Jones, who posted a moving slideshow on Instagram which attracted thousands of responses.
‘The most beautiful man’
Catherine has been married to the Kirk’s son Michael Douglas for 19 years. They have two children together.
She shared a moving video of Kirk on Instagram with the words, “Happy 102nd Birthday to the most beautiful man. We love you, Kirk.”
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The black-and-white video posted by Catherine had a slideshow of moments from Kirk’s life alongside a stunning piano rendition of Christina Aguilera’s hit ‘Beautiful’.
‘My inspiration’
The classic song is played by a young girl, who could actually be none other than Catherine and Michael’s daughter Carys, who is now 15.
Carys also posted a vintage shot of the handsome Kirk and his son Michael together with the words, “102 years young to my inspiration, my pappy. I can’t put into words how much you mean to me. Happy birthday, I love you.”
His grandson Cameron Douglas, born to Michael from his first marriage to Diandra Douglas, also paid tribute to his adored grandfather.
Apart from his movie work Kirk is also know for his charity work. Douglas and his wife have donated to various non-profit causes through The Douglas Foundation.
Kirk was born to Jewish immigrants in Amsterdam, New York, in 1916, and started earning money to support his family at a young age through a range of odd jobs from selling snacks to working as a paperboy.
His real passion was acting and he was offered a scholarship to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He made his feature film debut in the year 1946 with The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.
He has received an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
When his son Michael received the 2019 Golden Globe Award for best actor in a TV musical or comedy for The Kominsky Method, he had some sweet words for his father.
After thanking his wife and kids Michael then said, “And I guess this (award) has to go to my 102-year-old father, Kirk.”
What an incredible man, husband and father Kirk is. To be a constant inspiration to those around him and to have done all that good through his charity work is a life well lived, with more to offer!
Please share as a tribute to the living legend that is Kirk Douglas.
