Actor
Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas was born on December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He began his acting career at age 23 and starred in his first major film at 30.
Kirk Douglas was born in 1916 and lived to age 104. Anyone born before 1916 is older than Kirk. Anyone over 104 is older than Kirk ever was.
Born
December 9, 1916
Amsterdam, Netherlands
World pop: ~1.8B
Died
February 5, 2020
World pop: ~7.8B
Kirk's age at death
104
Your age
20
Are you older than Kirk Douglas?
No — Kirk Douglas was born in 1916. You were born in 2006, making you 90 years younger. Kirk lived to age 104. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Kirk was when he died.
At your age (20), Kirk hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. Kirk was 23 when he began his acting career — that's 3 years from now for you.
Kirk's Life Timeline
Kirk Douglas was born on December 9, 1916, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Jewish immigrant parents. His family later moved to New York City, where he grew up in poverty. Douglas worked various jobs to support his family while pursuing his education, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied drama and graduated in 1941.
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Douglas's acting career began in the 1940s, and he quickly rose to prominence with his performances in films such as 'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers' (1946) and 'Champion' (1949), for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. He became a major star with his role in 'Spartacus' (1960), which not only showcased his acting talent but also his commitment to social justice, as he credited screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who had been blacklisted, for the film's screenplay. Throughout his career, Douglas starred in numerous acclaimed films, including 'Lust for Life' (1956) and 'Paths of Glory' (1957).
In his later years, Douglas became known for his philanthropic efforts and his advocacy for various causes, including the arts and education. He published several books, including his autobiography, and received numerous accolades for his contributions to film and society. Kirk Douglas passed away on February 5, 2020, at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most enduring icons and a pioneer in the fight against the blacklist in the film industry.
Began his acting career
Kirk Douglas was 23 years old when he began his acting career on Broadway. His debut in the play 'Spring Again' marked the start of a successful journey in the entertainment industry.
Kirk Douglas was 23 years old when he began his acting career in 1939. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in his first major film
Kirk Douglas was 30 years old when he starred in 'The Strange Love of Martha Ivers'. This film helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood and showcased his dramatic acting skills.
Kirk Douglas was 30 years old when he starred in his first major film in 1946. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received his first Academy Award nomination
Kirk Douglas was 33 years old when he received his first Academy Award nomination for his role in 'Champion'. This recognition solidified his status as a top actor in the film industry.
Kirk Douglas was 33 years old when he received his first Academy Award nomination in 1949. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Ace in the Hole'
Kirk Douglas was 35 years old when he starred in Billy Wilder's 'Ace in the Hole', a cynical drama about media exploitation that has since been recognized as a masterpiece.
Kirk Douglas was 35 years old when he starred in 'Ace in the Hole' in 1951. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'The Bad and the Beautiful'
Kirk Douglas was 36 years old when he starred in 'The Bad and the Beautiful', a film about the dark side of Hollywood that won five Academy Awards.
Kirk Douglas was 36 years old when he starred in 'The Bad and the Beautiful' in 1952. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'
Kirk Douglas was 38 years old when he starred in '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', Disney's classic adventure film based on Jules Verne's novel.
Kirk Douglas was 38 years old when he starred in '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' in 1954. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in Lust for Life
Kirk Douglas was 40 years old when he starred in 'Lust for Life', portraying the artist Vincent van Gogh. His performance earned him critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination.
Kirk Douglas was 40 years old when he starred in Lust for Life in 1956. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in Paths of Glory
Kirk Douglas was 41 years old when he starred in 'Paths of Glory'. This anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick is considered one of his finest performances and a classic of American cinema.
Kirk Douglas was 41 years old when he starred in Paths of Glory in 1957. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Produced and starred in Spartacus
Kirk Douglas was 44 years old when he produced and starred in 'Spartacus'. This film not only became a classic but also played a significant role in breaking the Hollywood blacklist by crediting Dalton Trumbo.
Kirk Douglas was 44 years old when he produced and starred in Spartacus in 1960. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Starred in 'Seven Days in May'
Kirk Douglas was 48 years old when he starred in 'Seven Days in May', a political thriller about an attempted military coup in the United States.
Kirk Douglas was 48 years old when he starred in 'Seven Days in May' in 1964. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received the Lifetime Achievement Award
Kirk Douglas was 84 years old when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild. This honor recognized his extensive contributions to the film industry over his long career.
Kirk Douglas was 84 years old when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. Are you older than Kirk was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1916 | 0 | |
| 1917 | 1 | |
| 1918 | 2 | |
| 1919 | 3 | |
| 1920 | 4 | |
| 1921 | 5 | |
| 1922 | 6 | |
| 1923 | 7 | |
| 1924 | 8 | |
| 1925 | 9 | |
| 1926 | 10 | |
| 1927 | 11 | |
| 1928 | 12 | |
| 1929 | 13 | |
| 1930 | 14 | |
| 1931 | 15 | |
| 1932 | 16 | |
| 1933 | 17 | |
| 1934 | 18 | |
| 1935 | 19 | |
| 1936 | 20 | |
| 1937 | 21 | |
| 1938 | 22 | |
| 1939 | 23 | began his acting career |
| 1940 | 24 | |
| 1941 | 25 | |
| 1942 | 26 | |
| 1943 | 27 | |
| 1944 | 28 | |
| 1945 | 29 | |
| 1946 | 30 | starred in his first major film |
| 1947 | 31 | |
| 1948 | 32 | |
| 1949 | 33 | received his first Academy Award nomination |
| 1950 | 34 | |
| 1951 | 35 | starred in 'Ace in the Hole' |
| 1952 | 36 | starred in 'The Bad and the Beautiful' |
| 1953 | 37 | |
| 1954 | 38 | starred in '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' |
| 1955 | 39 | |
| 1956 | 40 | starred in Lust for Life |
| 1957 | 41 | starred in Paths of Glory |
| 1958 | 42 | |
| 1959 | 43 | |
| 1960 | 44 | produced and starred in Spartacus |
| 1961 | 45 | |
| 1962 | 46 | |
| 1963 | 47 | |
| 1964 | 48 | starred in 'Seven Days in May' |
| 1965 | 49 | |
| 1966 | 50 | |
| 1967 | 51 | |
| 1968 | 52 | |
| 1969 | 53 | |
| 1970 | 54 | |
| 1971 | 55 | |
| 1972 | 56 | |
| 1973 | 57 | |
| 1974 | 58 | |
| 1975 | 59 | |
| 1976 | 60 | |
| 1977 | 61 | |
| 1978 | 62 | |
| 1979 | 63 | |
| 1980 | 64 | |
| 1981 | 65 | |
| 1982 | 66 | |
| 1983 | 67 | |
| 1984 | 68 | |
| 1985 | 69 | |
| 1986 | 70 | |
| 1987 | 71 | |
| 1988 | 72 | |
| 1989 | 73 | |
| 1990 | 74 | |
| 1991 | 75 | |
| 1992 | 76 | |
| 1993 | 77 | |
| 1994 | 78 | |
| 1995 | 79 | |
| 1996 | 80 | |
| 1997 | 81 | |
| 1998 | 82 | |
| 1999 | 83 | |
| 2000 | 84 | received the Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2001 | 85 | |
| 2002 | 86 | |
| 2003 | 87 | |
| 2004 | 88 | |
| 2005 | 89 | |
| 2006 | 90 | |
| 2007 | 91 | |
| 2008 | 92 | |
| 2009 | 93 | |
| 2010 | 94 | |
| 2011 | 95 | |
| 2012 | 96 | |
| 2013 | 97 | |
| 2014 | 98 | |
| 2015 | 99 | |
| 2016 | 100 | |
| 2017 | 101 | |
| 2018 | 102 | |
| 2019 | 103 | |
| 2020 | 104 |
