Kirk Douglas Collection

One of the greatest film stars

Born Izzy Demsky to a family of six sisters, Kirk Douglas long knew that he wanted to be an actor.  He received a scholarship to American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City where Lauren Bacall was his classmate.  Douglas enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII.

After the war, Kirk Douglas moved back to New York City to work in radio in shows like Suspense and Academy Award Theater.  With the help and encouragement of former classmate, Lauren Bacall, Douglas quickly made his way into film. 

Kirk Douglas was often typecast into tough-guy type of roles like Spartcus but also branched out into other roles such as Vincent van Gogh in Lust for Life and a silly sailor in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.