13/12/2025
Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovich, 1916–2020) was an American actor, producer, and writer, known for his powerful, intense screen presence and iconic roles in films such as Spartacus and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Born in New York to Russian Jewish immigrants, he rose from poverty to become a Hollywood star, famously producing Spartacus and helping to break the blacklist by hiring Dalton Trumbo. He was the father of actor Michael Douglas and remained active as a producer and writer in Hollywood until his death at the age of 103.