Kirk Douglas, the star of "Spartacus" and "Lust for Life," has died at 103, his sons tell People magazine.
Kirk Douglas was one of Hollywood's original 'tough guys,' famous for his dimpled chin and brash character.
The actor was born Issur Danielovitch Demsky in 1916 to poor Russian immigrants. his father was a ragman who hoped his son would become a rabbi. Douglas chose to use his charisma on camera.
His distinctive voice and powerful presence typecasted him for many a macho role. Douglas also lent his skills to more emotional characters, beginning with one of his most famous roles, the Champion in 1949.
In 1960, Douglas helped end Hollywood blacklisting by producing 'Spartacus' and crediting a formerly ostracized screenwriter. He was one of the first actors to start his own company.
The star of more than 80 films, no performance ever earned him an Oscar -- instead he was given an honorary award.
The father of actor Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas was also an accomplished director and author. In 1981, he received the highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He survived a helicopter crash in 1991 while two others died. Four years after that he suffered a stroke, but recovered enough to continue to work.
Kirk Douglas was a fighter until the end.
(CBS News, Chris Martinez / Associated Press contributed to this report).
