Famous Actor Turns 100
by Janet Andrew
Kirk Douglas was born in Amsterdam, New York on December 9, 1916. His birth name was Issur Danielovitch Demsky. He grew up in a ghetto but attended school and was known as a good student and athlete through out his high school years. He attended Saint Lawrence University where he landed an acting scholarship and was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He performed in some smaller Broadway productions and then decided to go into the US Navy in 1941.
After leaving the Navy he returned to the theater and got his break in the film industry. In 1949 he won his first Oscar for playing a boxer in the movie “Champion”. His popularity kept growing in the film industry and after approximately 70 years in his career, he has made over 90 films. Some of the popular movies that he played in were “Gunfight At The O.K. Corral” in 1957, “Spartacus” in 1960, “The Fury” in 1978, “The Man From Snowy River” in 1982, “Greedy” in 1994 and “It runs In the Family” in 2003. That is only a few films from his acting career.
Kirk Douglas has won three Oscar nominations and two Golden Globes. He is also known as a producer, director and author. He worked his way up to his fame and fortune but has also made it a point to help others on his way. He has donated over $40 million to the television and motion picture fund. He has helped various children by funding over 400 playgrounds and parks around the Los Angeles area, while also funding scholarships to major universities for the underprivileged.
Happy 100th Birthday to Kirk Douglas!
