Steven Spielberg leaves tribute to Kirk Douglas after his death

Kirk Douglas was one of Hollywood’s first true megastars, having starred in Dalton Trumbo’s epic blockbuster Spartacus.

He was also the father of Michael Douglas and father-in-law of Catherine Zeta-Jones.

As news spread of the 103-year-old’s death last night, celebrities and fans took to social media to pay tribute to the anting legend.

Steven Spielberg said in a statement that, “Kirk retained his movie star charisma right to the end of his wonderful life, and I’m honoured to have been a small part of his last 45-years.”

Spielberg presented Douglas with an honorary Oscar at the 1996 Academy Awards.

He continued: “I will miss his handwritten notes, letters and fatherly advice, and his wisdom and courage – even beyond such a breathtaking body of work – are enough to inspire me for the rest of mine.”

Spielberg wasn’t the only celebrity to pay tribute to Douglas.

Sylvester Stallone posted a picture from Douglas’ 1949 film Champion, in which he played a boxer. The Rocky actor wrote, “KIRK DOUGLAS !!! The last great giant of my cinema heroes has passed on to Infinite glory. Amazing artist! The likes of which we will never ever see again!’

Star Trek’s George Takei was one of the first to share his feelings on the passing, saying “An Academy Award-winning actor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Douglas was a champion for many just causes and lived a long and storied life. He was adored and beloved, and he shall be missed.”

It was Michael Douglas who broke the news of his father’s death and paid an emotional tribute to him.

A little while later, his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones posted a black and white photo of them both, saying “To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight…”

“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 setting 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.”