The actor Kirk Douglas has died at the remarkable age of 103. He was so old at the time of his death that his son Michael is now playing an irascible aging actor with personal plumbing problems in the comedy series The Kominsky Method.
The elder Douglas was perhaps best known for the 1960 film Spartacus, based loosely on the life of a slave who led a revolt against the Romans in the first century BCE. Kirk was perfect for these action roles and he had already played a Viking in another popular movie.
Last year we watched a Kirk Douglas picture that dates back even earlier than these two. Lust for Life is a biopic in which he plays the troubled, brilliant artist, Vincent Van Gogh. He was surprisingly good in the role and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the film included Vincent's ill-fated attempt to become a minister of the gospel, like his father.
Sadly, the real Vincent preached almost incomprehensible sermons as he trained, so was turned down for ordination. He eventually worked amidst poor miners and farmers where he began painting their meagre existence. Van Gogh's faith was a signficant aspect of his passionate life.
Movie still from Lust for Life
Kirk Douglas won a best actor Golden Globe for portraying Van Gogh while Anthony Quinn got an Oscar as best supporting actor in the role of Vincent's friend, Paul Gaugin. While Douglas received other nominations along the way this was his most significant award for a specific role.
Prayer Before the Meal -- Vincent Van Gogh
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