We all know the name Kirk Douglas. The actor was not only known for his incredible talent, but also for his philanthropy. Despite his wealth, there is a surprising reason why he did not provide financial assistance to his children.
Kirk Douglas starred in numerous global hits, including “Spartacus” and “The Bad and the Beautiful.” Throughout his career, he worked with esteemed actors, actresses, and directors in Hollywood. However, what many people may not know is that Douglas came from very humble beginnings.
Born into a family of seven children, Kirk was raised as the only brother to six sisters. His father, a Russian immigrant, settled in Amsterdam, New York, where he worked as a ragman to support the family. Money was scarce, and poverty affected their daily lives. There were times when they didn’t even have enough food to eat.
In a 2017 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Kirk shared the hardships his family faced. He revealed that his sisters would beg for bones to cook soup, and he himself resorted to stealing food to survive. Despite the difficult circumstances, he always felt a strong love for his father, even though their relationship felt distant.
Kirk’s mother, Bryna, worked tirelessly to take care of the family. However, they lived without basic amenities like a proper stove, running water, or a washing machine. It was a challenging upbringing for Kirk and his siblings.
When Kirk graduated from high school in 1934, he did not have the means to afford college tuition. However, that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams. He embarked on a 200-mile hike to St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, with all of his school awards and achievements in hand. Through determination and the Dean’s support, Kirk was able to enroll and secure loans to finance his education.
During his time at St. Lawrence University, Kirk took on various side jobs to cover tuition and expenses. He even worked as a wrestler at a local circus. Despite the challenges, he persevered and eventually found success in acting.
At the age of 25, Kirk met Betty Perske, later known as Lauren Bacall, at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Their meeting led to a successful career for both of them in the entertainment industry.
After experiencing fame and success, Kirk married Anne Buydens, a German philanthropist who had lost everything during World War II. Motivated by their own experiences of poverty, Kirk and Anne established The Douglas Foundation in 1964. Their charitable organization aimed to improve the lives of underprivileged youth and has contributed millions of dollars to various causes and organizations, including the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.
The couple’s generosity extended to Kirk’s alma mater, St. Lawrence University, where they created the Kirk Douglas Scholarship. This scholarship helps underprivileged students pursue their education and covers four years of schooling.
Despite their philanthropic efforts, Kirk did not leave any of his $80 million estate to his children. This decision may seem surprising, especially for Hollywood royalty. However, Kirk believed in the importance of redistributing wealth to those who need it most.
Kirk Douglas passed away on February 5, 2020, leaving a significant portion of his estate to The Douglas Foundation. His wife, Anne Buydens, who was also a trustee of the foundation, passed away in April 2021 at the age of 102.
While Kirk’s children did not inherit his fortune, they have made successful lives for themselves. Eric and Peter, his sons with Anne, work in Hollywood as television and movie producers. He also had two sons, Joel Douglas and Michael Douglas, from his previous marriage to Diana Dill.
Kirk Douglas left behind a charitable legacy that will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His life and generosity serve as an inspiration to us all.
