Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has passed away at the age of 103.Â
In a statement posted on his Instagram, Michael Douglas spoke about his father's death, and the impact he had on his life.Â
"It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103,"Â he said. "To the world, he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire to."
Douglas was a three-time Academy Award nominee with a career that spanned over six decades. He made a name for himself in action films, starring in such classics as Spartacus, Paths of Glory, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and The Bad and the Beautiful. Aside from his work on the big screen, Douglas was an instrumental part in breaking the "Hollywood blacklist" where many people in the movie industry had opportunities withheld from them in the '40s and '50s because they were seen as Communist sympathizers.
As the star and producer of Spartacus, Douglas pushed to allow Dalton Trumbo, one of the people who was being blacklisted for refusing to speak about his ties to the Communist party, to be credited as the screenwriter of the film. In 1996, Douglas suffered a stroke that was so severe he was unable to speak. Two months later, he was able to take the stage and deliver a speech accepting his honorary Oscar. Â
"Kirk’s life was well lived, and he leaves a legacy in film that will endure for generations to come, and a history as a renowned philanthropist who worked to aid the public and bring peace to the planet," Michael added. "Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true. Dad- I love you so much and I am so proud to be your son."
People took to social media to pay their respects to the actor and send well wishes to his family.
