The shining representative of the "golden era" of Hollywoodis an American actor, writer and former ambassador to the US State Department Kirk Douglas. Films with his participation are known and remembered by many viewers. The actor is on the list of male legends of classic Hollywood movies, currently ranks first in it.
Childhood and adolescence
Real name Iser Danilovich.Born December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, New York, in a poor family that has Jewish roots. He was the fourth child of seven children. Kirk Douglas was the only boy. His parents, Gershl and Brian Danielovich, came from the now Belarusian town of Chausy. They moved to the United States two years after the wedding. Later, the parents changed their names and surnames to Harry and Bertu Demskih.
The boy worked as a peddler for food and newspapers. The dream of acting career has appeared since eight years.
After school, Kirk Douglas went to college, wherecarried away wrestling. Then he entered the prestigious Academy of Dramatic Arts. He could not pay for his studies, but he made such a strong impression on teachers that he was awarded a scholarship. After classes, he worked as a waiter in a cafe. With the name Iser, the guy did not count on success in the cinema. The head of the troupe suggested that he change his name to the current one. He liked the name, and he immediately agreed.
During World War II he served in the navy. He was later injured, had dysentery, as a result of which his commissariat While in the hospital, Kirk married Diana Dill.
Carier start
After returning home to his native New York,Douglas took up an acting career. In this, Kirk was helped by his old acquaintance Lauren Backcol, who recommended novice actor to producer Hal Wallis. Kirk made his screen debut in Martha Ivers' Strange Love. After the role, the young man received a seven-year contract, was involved in the films "From the Past", "A Letter to Three Wives", "I Am Always Alone." After this picture, the actor began to collaborate with the successful American actor Bert Lancaster.
In addition to the screen, young people and in life maintained friendly relations. Thanks to his role in the film “Champion,” Kirk received an Oscar nomination.
Success in the cinema
Since the 1950s, Kirk Douglas has become one ofthe most sought after and famous actors. The film “Evil and Beautiful” brought Kirk a second Oscar nomination. He also took part in the film "Thirst for Life", where he played Vincent van Gogh. A few years later, the actor decided to establish his production company, which sponsored some of the films in which Douglas himself was shot (Vikings, Paths of Glory).
The company sponsored films by novice directors. In the picture of Dalton Trumbo “The Lonely Daredevil” the main role was played by Kirk Douglas himself. The best "Spartacus" was the first color film by Stanley Kubrick.
In 1962, Douglas bought the rights to setKen Kesey's books "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". Later, Kirk wanted to film the novel, but the idea did not arouse interest. In the future, his son, Michael Kirk Douglas, began working on the film. Michael's films cause great interest among viewers.
Completion of career
In the late 90s, the actor suffered a severe stroke,after which he could not return to the film industry. Then he began writing books. His first work was the autobiography "Son Ragman". After it was written a few more books that received critical acclaim.
A second autobiographical book was also written, in which Douglas spoke about his life and the difficult path to an acting career, as well as about meetings with Hollywood stars.
In 2011, Kirk participated in the Oscars.
Personal life
With first wife, actress Diana Dill, Douglaslived for eight years (from 1943 to 1951), after which the couple divorced. Have two children. This is the daughter of Joel Douglas and no less famous son Michael Kirk Douglas. His films are quite popular.
Two years later, Douglas married again.This time his wife was German and American actress Ann Bidens. The couple also have two children: Peter and Eric. With Ann, they still live today, doing charity work, donating money to educational institutions and medical centers. At the moment, they plan to donate most of their multi-million dollar fortune.
Thanks to their help, many people were able to get back on their feet, hundreds of playgrounds were restored, the Kirk Douglas Theater opened.
Kirk donated money to build a care center for actors and Hollywood film industry representatives who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
In December 2016, the actor celebrated his centenary. The celebration was organized by the son Michael and his wife. Among those invited were Steven Spielberg and Jeffre Katzenberg.
Kirk Douglas is constantly updating his page in the international social network My Space.
Douglas was one of the most popular actors in American classic cinema, playing the roles of tough guys and policemen.
