It’s our great pleasure to wish Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas a very Happy Birthday. The actor was born on December 9, 1916, and just turned 103-years-old! He’s had one remarkable life and career, and we celebrate this incredible legend milestone by taking a look back at a couple of memories and thoughts that Kirk was kind enough to share about his days as an actor, his family life, and some vintage pictures. As an actor, Kirk Douglas has had the experience of playing over 100 roles! That’s right, over 100! And he’s had four children, tragically his son Eric died in 2004. One of his kids, Micheal Douglas, is also a well-known actor who’s had his fair share of legendary roles such as Gordan Gekko in Wall Street.
And could you believe that this 103-year-old also released a book of poetry as recently as 2014? The book is called “Life Could Be Verse: Reflections on Love, Loss, and What Really Matters,” and it not only has poetry but also takes an intimate look back on Kirk’s family and a career. Plus, he wrote a book called ” My Stroke of Luck” back in 2003. In his poetry book, Kirk shares a few funny stories from his past, such as this one: “[My wife] used to have on our answering machine, ‘Spartacus and I are not home at the moment, please leave a message.’” The story refers to what is perhaps’s Kirk’s most memorable role as Sparticus, a movie that’s considered one of the best films ever made.
‘Spartacus’ / Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Kirk’s also a loving grandad who adores his grandkids. He jokes that they love calling him “Pappy, like a little dog.” He also talked about how he likes to show love to his grandkids and children.
Kirk and sons / Arnold M. Johnson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
He said he “hugs and kisses my boys Russian style, on the lips, all the time, [and] I say, ‘I love you.’ Michael is sentimental like his old man – and he’s got my dimple.”
Kirk and Michael Douglas / VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
Kirk first met Anne on the set of their 1953 movie, Act of Love. Despite his dashing good looks, and A-list Hollywood status, would you believe that Kirk Douglas struck out the first time he asked Anne out on a date? But, the actor was persistent, and soon the two fell in love and married in 1954.
Kirk and wife Anne / Dennis Oulds/Central Press/Getty Images
These two soul mates have been together ever since, and it turns out that Kirk’s still quite the romantic at heart. He said, when talking about his relationship with Anne, “I wrote my best poem for Anne: ‘Romance Begins at 80.’ We solve our disagreements with a kiss.” He’s still got it!
Kirk Douglas / Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
We would once again like to wish Kirk Douglas Happy Birthday, and we hope that we’ll have the honor of celebrating his 104th birthday next year. We are sure that he had a wonderful time being surrounded by his friends and family.
Source: Do You Remember