When you think of the golden age of Hollywood, Kirk Douglas is one of the actors who comes to mind. He was one of Tinseltown’s most popular stars in the 1950s and ’60s and is best known for films such as Spartacus, Detective Story, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Lust for Life.
His work on the big screen has spanned nearly 60 years.
Kirk recently celebrated a really special day with his friends and family, including two of his sons (one of whom is an another actor you may have heard of — Michael Douglas).
What event was so extraordinary that it warranted a big celebration for Kirk? The star turned 101-years-old.
This is truly something you don’t hear every day. Kirk was joined by his wife Anne, 98, as well as his sons Michael and Joel and his granddaughter Kelsey Douglas.
Kirk blew out the candles on his cake that proudly displayed the number «101» on top. The cake was decorated in sunflowers, symbolizing the actor’s performance as Vincent Van Gogh in 1956 film Lust for Life, according to People.
Michael posted the picture and several others on Facebook.
Kirk received not one but two cakes for his monumental birthday. Michael explained in the caption that the boxing gloves represented his father’s first Academy Award nomination for his performance in the 1949 film Champion.
Kirk’s daughter-in-law and Michael’s wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, was not in attendance. But she marked the occasion by wishing Kirk a happy birthday on Instagram. She wrote:
«101 today!!!! My darling Pappy on my knee. Happy Birthday to my wonderful, inspirational and loving father in law, Kirk. Love you with all my heart.»
Kirk’s grandson, Dylan Douglas, son of Michael and Catherine, also honored Kirk on his birthday. He posted a picture of himself kissing his grandfather’s cheek with the caption:
«Happy birthday 101 years and still sexy love you with all my heart Pappy.»
There was a hoax circulating online in the weeks leading up to Kirk’s 101st birthday celebration. «News reports» claimed the actor had passed away of natural causes. The reports were debunked.
Kirk has been nominated for three Academy Awards and received an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 2008. He was also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He has written 10 novels and memoirs.
Kirk last appeared on the big screen in the 2004 film Illusions. His last role on television was the 2008 made-for-TV film Empire State Building Murders.
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Kirk — with many more to come!
