Kirk Douglas Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 9:24 PM ET, Wed November 20, 2019

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Kirk Douglas, one of the last survivors of Hollywood's golden age, celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, December 9. He embarked on a screen career in 1946 after theater work and a stint in the Navy during World War II. The three-time Oscar nominee, pictured here circa 1955, appeared in such classics as "Champion" (1949), "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952), "Lust for Life" (1956), "Paths of Glory" (1957) and "Spartacus" (1960).
Photos: Kirk Douglas turns 100
Kirk Douglas, one of the last survivors of Hollywood's golden age, celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, December 9. He embarked on a screen career in 1946 after theater work and a stint in the Navy during World War II. The three-time Oscar nominee, pictured here circa 1955, appeared in such classics as "Champion" (1949), "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952), "Lust for Life" (1956), "Paths of Glory" (1957) and "Spartacus" (1960).
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The actor, here in the 1950s, was born Issur Danielovitch to Russian immigrant parents in Amsterdam, New York, in 1916. He would eventually change his name to Kirk Douglas.
Photos: Kirk Douglas turns 100
The actor, here in the 1950s, was born Issur Danielovitch to Russian immigrant parents in Amsterdam, New York, in 1916. He would eventually change his name to Kirk Douglas.
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Douglas escorts Irene Wrightsman McEvoy to the Academy Awards in March 1950. He was nominated that year for best actor for his breakout role in "Champion." He would also be nominated for "The Bad and the Beautiful" and "Lust for Life." The star received an honorary Academy Award in 1996.
Photos: Kirk Douglas turns 100
Douglas escorts Irene Wrightsman McEvoy to the Academy Awards in March 1950. He was nominated that year for best actor for his breakout role in "Champion." He would also be nominated for "The Bad and the Beautiful" and "Lust for Life." The star received an honorary Academy Award in 1996.
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Douglas goes on location in 1951 for director Billy Wilder's film "Ace in the Hole." The star played a cynical reporter out for a scoop in this dark look at journalism.
Photos: Kirk Douglas turns 100
Douglas goes on location in 1951 for director Billy Wilder's film "Ace in the Hole." The star played a cynical reporter out for a scoop in this dark look at journalism.
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Douglas kneels beside his sons Joel, left, and Michael in the mid-'50s. Both followed their father's career into films, with Joel a producer and MIchael an actor and producer.