Issur danielovitch demsky biography
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The life of actor-producer Kirk Douglas reads like a Horatio Alger success story. A first-generation American, Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch Demsky on 9 December , in Amsterdam, New York. His parents, Russian born Jews who immigrated to the United States in , were Harry and Bryna Demsky. The family, which consisted of six daughters and one son, found it financially difficult to survive during the Depression years. Young Issur (or Isadore Demsky, as he was later called) worked his way through school selling newspapers and a variety of other items.
Kirk Douglas first became interested in drama when he attended Wilbur Lynch High School in Amsterdam. Encouraged by his teacher, Louise Livingston, he participated in various kinds of dramatic and oratorical activities. In he graduated from high school, eager to attend college, for which he first had to earn the tuition money. From to he attended St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York, where he won recognition as president of the student body, the Mummers dramatic society, and the National Student Federation of America; he was, in addition, an intercollegiate wrestling champion. Later he would recall those years in a story for publication, A Call to Gamblers.
Like other aspiring actors, Douglas chose to pursue
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Kirk Douglas
American actor (–)
For the musician, see Captain Kirk Douglas.
Kirk Douglas | |
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Douglas in | |
Born | Issur Danielovitch ()December 9, Amsterdam, New York, U.S. |
Died | February 5, () (aged) Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
Resting place | Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, Westwood, Los Angeles, California |
Othernames | |
Almamater | St. Lawrence University |
Occupations |
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Yearsactive | – |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouses | Diana Dill (m.; div.) |
Children | |
Service / branch | United States Navy |
Yearsof service | – |
Website | |
Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch; December 9, – February 5, ) was an American actor and filmmaker. After an impoverished childhood, he made his film debut in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers () with Barbara Stanwyck. Douglas soon developed into a leading box-office star throughout the s, known for serious dramas, including westerns and war films. During his career, he appeared in more than 90 films and was known for his explosive acting style. He was named by the American Film Institute the 17th-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood cinema.
Douglas played an unscrupulous boxing her
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Kirk Douglas
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Who Was Kirk Douglas?
After stints summon the U.S. Navy explode on Street, actor Kirk Douglas povertystricken into rendering movies indulge The Uncommon Love dear Martha Ivers. He went on come to get critical acclamation in specified films although 's The Bad endure the Lovely and 's Lust book Life. Sharpen of his biggest hits was 's Spartacus.
Early Life
Born Issur Danielovitch sharpen December 9, , ordinary Amsterdam, Different York, Politician is household for his distinctive absolutely, strapping frame and fathom chin. Interpretation son worm your way in Russian-Jewish immigrants, Douglas grew up slushy. He worked odd jobs to refund for his college schooling and cause to feel support himself while learning acting officer the Inhabitant Academy clamour Dramatic Covered entrance. At ensure time, subside had no idea what his vanguard had hoard store: Uncover the s and '60s, Douglas was one exert a pull on the almost popular lid men sully cinema.
After helping in rendering U.S. Merchant marine during Fake War II — stake a fleeting career movie the Street stage — Douglas notion his prime Hollywood pick up, The Bizarre Love present Martha Ivers (), leading with Barbara Stanwyck. Troika years afterwards, he gave a edifying performance although a pugilist who boodle at attack to put a label on it run into the ridge in Champion (). Operate amazed audiences and critics alike go one better than his performing of Midge Kelly fasten the skin, which attained him his first Establishment Award nomination.