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Kirk Douglas dead at 103: Spartacus star's heartbroken son Michael Douglas shares news of Hollywood legend's passing

Hollywood acting legend Kirk Douglas has died aged 103.

The Spartacus star died on Wednesday and is survived by his wife of 65 years Anne Buydens and his three sons Michael, Joel, and Eric.

His son Michael Douglas, an acting icon in his own right, revealed the news of his father's death in an emotional statement to People magazine.

'It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103,' he said.

'To the world, he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire to.

'But to me and my brothers Joel and Peter he was simply Dad, to Catherine, a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great grandchild their loving grandfather, and to his wife Anne, a wonderful husband.

'Kirk's life was well lived, and he leaves a legacy in film that will endure for generations to come, and a history as a renowned philanthropist who worked to aid the public and bring peace to the planet.

'Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true. Dad - I love you so much and I am so proud to be your son.'

Douglas suffered a stroke back in 1996 but had been in good health since then.

The famed actor and producer, who was one of the last of Hollywood's Golden Age, acted in more than 80 films before he retired from acting in 2004.

Douglas received critical acclaim for his role in the 1960 classic Spartacus where he played the gladiator leader of a Roman slave revolt.

He was nominated three times for the best actor Oscar in 1959 for Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful in 1953 and Lust for Life in 1957.