Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas lived a long and full life. He was happily married and started a family. His son, Michael Douglas, followed in his footsteps and built a successful career in Hollywood.

While Kirk lived far beyond 100, he did not make it to his 106th birthday. He would have celebrated the milestone on December 6 this year. Sadly, he passed away in February 2020, in his 104th year.

On his 103rd birthday, it was said that Kirk begged his family to throw him a quiet birthday where he could celebrate only with close family. Michael said his father wanted a simple dinner with his children and grandchildren.

Michael said that he settled for dinner with his father, wife, children, and siblings. The centenarian said he had had enough big parties as his family had thrown him big celebrations for his 100th, 101st, and 102nd birthdays.

What Was the Secret of His Marriage That Lasted 66 Years?

Kirk Douglas and his wife, Anne Buydens, spent 66 years together. They said that they met and fell in love at first sight. When they met, Kirk was engaged to another actress, but after a year of being with them both, he realized he only wanted Anne and broke off his engagement.

Kirk Douglas and wife Anne attend the Anne and Kirk Douglas 400th Playground Dedication at Lillian Street Elementary School, on May 28, 2008 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Costars of Kirk's said that even when Kirk was on location and could not be with his wife, they maintained their connection by exchanging letters throughout his time on site. They created an unbreakable bond.

The couple also gave many joint interviews in which they talked about their love for one another. Once, Kirk said:

"We have been married for more than 62 years, and my unabated admiration and need for this remarkable woman still astounds me."

They Were Together Until The End

The couple was together and in love until their final days. Even after Kirk turned 100, he was hands-on with his wife and ensured that he always knew how much she was loved and how much he respected her.

Anne, who was two years younger than her husband, was seen smiling as Kirk kissed her hand at the 25th anniversary of the Anne Douglas Center. Many thought the tender display was touching. Anne said their love was an unending one.

Even when the couple could no longer walk independently, they were seen out in their wheelchairs, which were pushed by their carers. They were once seen out in Los Angeles like this.

More than a year after Kirk passed away, Anne also passed away. She was at home in Beverley Hills when she breathed her last breath. She was 102 when she passed away, but no cause of death was given.

The couple shared a beautiful love story and often joked that even though being together wasn't a walk in the park, they loved being together and wouldn't have wanted to be with anybody else during their lives.

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