Wednesday, February 5, 2020

'Kirk Douglas' legendary actor 'Spartacus' dies at 103

I have to say it here and now.... Kirk Douglas (1916-2020) was and is my favorite actor in movies. I had read his autobiography, "The Ragman's Son" (1988) so many times that I know it by heart. I had also read his other written books and enjoyed, "Climbing the Mountain: My search for meaning" (1999).

There are too many favorite films to list here. (He made over 100). The movie I watched the most would have to be the political thriller, "Seven Days in May" (1964). A really close second would be, "Spartacus" (1960) and the western, "Last Train from Gun Hill" (1959). 

Douglas was nominated for an Oscar three times as best actor - but never won. "Champion" (1949), "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952) and "Lust for Life" (1956). He received an honorary Oscar in 1996.

As a film producer. He employed the black-listed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo to pen "Spartacus" (1960). He got credit as the screenwriter. Douglas helped break the black-list of Hollywood who were accused of Russian communist sympathies. Douglas said Trumbo wrote one of the best screenplays ever with "Spartacus."

Douglas claimed in his autobiography that he never aspired to become a movie star. He loved the "Theatre." He would never have become a superstar with so many great film roles. We can watch them over and over again. In my opinion -- his most evil role was in "Ace in the Hole" (1951) where he portrayed a journalist who will do anything for publicity.

Rest in Peace.

Click movie posters below for all things Kirk Douglas.
(Laserdisc collection "Champion" 1949. Kirk Douglas with Marilyn Maxwell. It made Douglas a movie star and earned him his first best actor Oscar nomination).

(Movie Poster 1952. Kirk Douglas earned his second best actor nomination as a ruthless movie producer).

(Lobby Card 1956. Kirk Douglas portrayed artist Vincent Van Gogh. It shocked people at how much Douglas looked like Vincent. He landed his third best actor Oscar nomination).

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