Issur Danielovitch Demsky alias Kirk Douglas is an American actor, author, director and producer.

His estimated net worth is approximately 60$ million.

Early life

Issur Danielovitch Demsky known as Kirk Douglas was born on December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, New York. He is the son of Jewish imigrant from Chaussy, Bryna and Herschel “Harry” Danielovitc. He has a hard childhood, working various jobs to help his family to survive.

Since his high school days, he knew he wants to become professional actor. American Academy of Dramatic Arts gave him a scholarship, after noticing his great talent.

Personal life

Kirk’s first marriage was an American actress Diana Love Webster, with whom he has two sons, famous actor Michael, and producer Joel. They separated in 1951.

In 1954 he married to german producer Anne Buydens with whom, he also has two sons Eric ( he passed away in 2004 ) and Piter. Kirk has seven grandchildren.

After near death experience in 1991, Kirk embraces his origin religion Judaism.

Kirk is famous for his charity work and he planing to donate most of his 60$ million net worth.

Kirk’s hobby is blogging and his blogs are published by Huffington Post.

Acting career

His acting career started on the radio after returning from World War II He also acted in the play Kiss and Tell, where he substituted Richard Widmark.

In 1946 he made film debut in the mystery drama The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, where his partenr were Barbara Stanwyck. During the 40s Kirk got roles of a strong guy such as the role of the Champion ( 1949 ), where he portrayed boxer Midge Kelly. This role brought him a first nomination for Best Actor.

Controversial critics caused the cynical noir Ace In The Hole, where Kirk played wisecracking, selfish reporter. However, the movie won Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Great reviews he received for the role of detective Jim McLeod in the Detective Story ( 1951 ). Next role in melodrama The Bad and the Beautiful brought him Oscar nomination.

In 1955 Kirk set his film production company Bryna Productions, where he produce and star in movies such as The Indian Fighter, Paths of Glory, Last Train from Gun Hill and so on.

During the 60s he filmed mostly war movies such as Heroes of Telemark,  Is Paris Burning, Seven Days in May etc.

Another Oscar nomination for Best Actor Kirk took after fantastic portraying of Vincent van Gogh in the biography Lust for Life.

Significant success Kirk achieved in the historical drama Spartacus, where he played the lead role of a Thracian gladiator. The movie received four awards.

Between the 70s and 2000s, he filmed more that 40 movies. Some of the most significant were The Final Countdown, where he played with Martin Sheen. The role of  Capt. Matthew Yelland brought him third Oscar nomination. Kirk has a dual role in the numerously awarded drama The Man from Snowy River.  The comedy Tough Guys were the Kirk’s last play with his long term friend Burt Lancaster.

Kirk earned numerous award and honors during his career. Some of the most important are Presidential Medal of Freedom, French Legion of Honor, AFI Life Achievement Award,  National Medal of Arts and so on. He also has his star on Hollywood walks of fame.

Kirk is known as an author too. He wrote 12 books including his autobiography.

Quick summary:

Full Name: Issur Danielovitch Demsky

Date of Birth: December 9, 1916

Birth Place: Amsterdam, New York.

Age: 101 years

Profession: actor, author, producer, director

Height: 1.75

Weight: unknown

Net worth: 60$ million