Kirk Douglas: The American Film Star's Life in Photos

Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas died in 2020 at 103 years old. Here, we take a look back at not only Douglas's expansive film career, but also his dedication to his family and his humanitarian efforts.

Kirk Douglas takes his German Shepard, Banshee, for a walk during a production break on the set of his film I Walk Alone.

Kirk plays with his son Michael by balancing him on the soles of his feet.

The actor is seen here at home relaxing after filming wrapped on The Walls of Jericho.

Douglas in a promotional shot for the film Champion. The actor was nominated for his first Best Actor Academy Award for the role.

On the set of Champion, discussing a scene with his costar actress Ruth roman.

Douglas plays the trumpet with bandleader and trumpeter Harry James.

Douglas poses with his costar Lauren Bacall in a promotional portrait for Young Man With a Horn.

While meeting Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Command premiere of Because You're Mine in London, Douglas bows and shakes her hand.

Douglas autographs the thigh of painter Novella Parigini on Lido Beach in Venice. This was at the peak of his heartthrob days.

Kirk and his oldest son, Michael, have always shared a close father-son relationship. Michael thanked his father at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2018, saying, "Thank you for your advice, inspiration, and I'll say it simply, with all my heart" I'm so proud to be your son."

Kirk with his oldest sons, Joel and Michael, from his first marriage to Diana Douglas.

In 1955, Douglas launched his own production company, Bryna productions.

Kirk goofs around with sons Michael and Joel, who both followed their father into the film industry.

Kirk getting hands on with his sons Michael and Joel as they explore a world globe together.

Douglas earned an Oscar nomination for his performance as artist Vincent Van Gogh in Lust for Life.

Douglas and his second wife Anne Buydens were married for 65 years.

Buydens and Douglas take cover from the rain as they leave a London airport.

Douglas serves himself a pile of spaghetti as actress Sophia Loren looks on.

Douglas and Frank Sinatra dressed up in western-themed costumes for a party at the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Douglas plays with a lion cub named Spartacus in honor of his iconic film role.

Douglas and Buydens arrive in London for the Spartacus premiere.

Douglas in Spartacus, which was one of the late actor's most iconic roles during his career.

Douglas dances with actress Elizabeth Taylor at a party for Spartacus in Rome.

Douglas and wife Buydens at a party in Los Angeles.

Douglas arrives in Rome carrying a gun for his Kenyan safari.

Douglas and Buydens pose with their son, Peter Vincent Douglas.

Douglas and Buydens at a another Los Angeles party.

Douglas on set of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with his costar Susan Hampshire.

Kirk poses with his son Michael, who followed in his father's footsteps into acting.

Douglas and Buydens attend the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, Queens.

Buydens and Douglas arrive at the Share Boomtown Party in Santa Monica.

Douglas and Buydens attending a formal event. The married couple met when Buydens applied to be his assistant for his film Act of Love. She initially turned his dinner invitations down.

Douglas received the Academy Award Lifetime Achievement award at the 68th annual award show.

Douglas jokes about his signature chin dimple while being honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Douglas with his daughter-in-law, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, at an American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award event held in his honor.

Douglas and Buydens arrive at the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Buydens and Douglas arrive at the Heart Foundation Gala in Hollywood.

Kirk arrives with his son Michael at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Douglas and Buydens attend the Los Angeles Mission's Legacy of Vision Gala in Beverly Hills. Douglas has been a humanitarian for decades and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Jefferson Award, and the French Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for his efforts.

Kirk attends his son Michael's Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame ceremony.