Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas is one of the most recognized and respected actors ever to appear on movie screens. His acting experience is rivaled by few in the industry as he has taken on 85 different movie roles in the past 55 years. Known as one of the most socially conscience actors ever, Douglas's work extends far beyond the big screen. He has overcome great obstacles on his way to success, but none more impressive than the stroke he suffered in 1996.

Douglas found himself engulfed in a cloud of self-pity and helplessness after being diagnosed with a "minor stroke." He saw nothing minor about the stroke. Since the mid-1940's Douglas had made a name for himself on the stage or on the screen, he had forged his identity in large part through his voice. It was something he had always taken for granted, yet now it was gone. Consumed by sorrow and depression, Douglas became suicidal. He went as far as putting the barrel of a loaded pistol in his mouth, before realizing the position he was in. Realizing how Christopher Reeve and Michael J. Fox, both successful actors, had used their personal disabilities to inspire others, Douglas came to the conclusion that he too must use his notoriety to help other stroke survivors.

With a new inspiration, Douglas embarked on the most difficult task of his life, learning to speak. Through countless hours with a physical therapist, and dozens more practicing at home in front of a mirror, Douglas slowly began to regain his speech. Today his diction is deliberate; blurred, but intelligible. His movement is slow and thought out, but he has persevered.

Three months after the stroke, Douglas walked onto the stage at the Academy Awards to a thundering, standing ovation and accepted his award for lifetime achievement. With a new appreciation for life and an understanding of how quickly our fortunes can change, Douglas now takes advantage of every opportunity he sees. He has worked his way back onto the screen. In the recently released movie, It Runs in the Family, Douglas shares screen time with his son Michael and his Grandson Cameron.

A man with a heart of gold and a will of steel, Douglas has always focused on giving back to those less fortunate than himself. With the creation of the Douglas Foundation, he and his wife established a way to make significant and meaningful contributions to civic and charitable causes. The foundation has assisted the Los Angeles Mission for the Homeless, as well as founding the Anne Douglas Center for Women. Additionally, they have revitalized and refurbished over 200 Los Angeles area playgrounds in an effort to create a brighter future for the area's youth. The foundation has helped to create a series of playgrounds in Israel, both for Arabic children and Jewish children. Douglas's foundation has committed funds to build a theater in Jerusalem as well as creating the Kirk Douglas Theatre of The Center Theatre Group, which will open in Culver City, California in 2004.

Douglas is a truly inspiring man. His has a rare ability to captivate audiences and inspire individuals. Whether speaking to a crowd of 5 or 5000 Douglas will demonstrate that anything is attainable if you have the courage to try.