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Kirk Douglas

What's After the Movie

Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas (originally known as Issur Danielovitch), an American born on December 9, 1916, in Amsterdam, New York, US, was a renowned actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. He made his film debut in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) alongside Barbara Stanwyck. After growing up in poverty, he became a top box-office star in the 1950s, acknowledged for his performances in serious dramas, westerns, and war films. He portrayed passionate characters in more than 90 films and was known for his explosive acting style. The American Film Institute named him the 17th greatest male star of classic Hollywood cinema.

For his first Academy Award nomination, he played an unscrupulous boxing hero in Champion (1949). His breakout roles include those in Out of the Past (1947), Young Man with a Horn (1950), Ace in the Hole (1951), and Detective Story (1951), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He earned subsequent Oscar nominations for The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) and Lust for Life (1956) where he portrayed Vincent van Gogh. Also known for his philanthropic endeavors, he received an Academy Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Despite facing a severe stroke in 1996, he continued acting for several years. He passed away in Beverly Hills, California, on February 5, 2020.

25 movies
3 nominations

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Kirk Douglas, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Kirk Douglas rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: Issur Danielovitch

Born: Amsterdam, New York, U.S.

Citizenship: United States

Birthday: December 9, 1916

Occupations: Actor, Filmmaker, Philanthropist

Years Active: 1944-2008

Children: 4

Spouses: Diana Dill, Anne Buydens

Awards and Nominations Received by Kirk Douglas

Explore awards

Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Kirk Douglas has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


The 29th Academy Awards 1957

Nomination

Actor

Lust for Life

The 25th Academy Awards 1953

9th Golden Globe Awards 1952

Nomination

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama

Detective Story

Career Timeline

Track the complete movie timeline of Kirk Douglas, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.


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