At 103, Kirk Douglas had witnessed a century of history unfold before his eyes. He had survived a stroke, watched Hollywood transform from its Golden Age to the digital era, and lived long enough to see his grandchildren grow into adults. Before his death on February 5, 2020, he often reflected on the meaning of life, success, and the lessons he wanted to pass on to future generations.

His son, Michael Douglas, shared that Kirk often spoke about resilience. “He believed suffering was a part of life, but overcoming it was what defined a person. He had scars literal and emotional but he wore them with pride. He wanted people to understand that hardship makes you strong.”

Kirk himself once said, “You don’t get to live over 100 years without experiencing pain. But pain is a great teacher. If you let it, it will shape you into someone who can survive anything.”

Born Issur Danielovitch in 1916 to Russian immigrant parents, he grew up in extreme poverty, selling snacks to factory workers as a child. His early life was filled with hunger and struggle, but he never let circumstances define him. He often recalled a memory of being eight years old and writing a letter to Santa, asking for a knife to whittle wood because he couldn’t afford toys.

His ambition to act started when he saw his first play. He knew instantly that storytelling was his calling. After joining the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he worked tirelessly, often sleeping in cheap boarding houses while waiting for his break. World War II interrupted his plans, but after serving in the Navy, he returned and quickly became a Hollywood sensation.

His career skyrocketed with performances in “Champion,” “Ace in the Hole,” and “Lust for Life,” where he played Vincent van Gogh with such intensity that it took a psychological toll on him. But his most defining moment came with “Spartacus,” a film that not only solidified his status as a legend but also played a key role in breaking the Hollywood blacklist by crediting blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo.

Kirk saw his career as a vehicle for truth. He despised phoniness, both in Hollywood and life. His family recalled how he never sugarcoated things. “He told me early on, ‘Don’t expect life to be fair. It won’t be. But you get to decide how you handle that,’” Michael revealed in an interview.

After suffering a near-fatal stroke in 1996, Kirk lost the ability to speak clearly. Instead of retreating, he fought his way back, relearning how to communicate through sheer willpower. It changed him, making him reflect on what truly mattered. He devoted his later years to philanthropy, donating millions to charities, building playgrounds, and funding hospitals.

For younger generations, his message was simple: “Stop waiting. You want something? Work for it. Life is short even when it’s long. Regret is heavier than failure.” His wife of 66 years, Anne Buydens, once shared that Kirk never feared death. “He always said, ‘I’ve done everything I wanted. If I go tomorrow, I go happy.’”

On his 103rd birthday, Kirk was asked what the secret to a long life was. He laughed and said, “Don’t die young.” Then, after a pause, he added, “And don’t waste time on things that don’t matter.”