Kirk Douglas honored on 102nd birthday by his NY hometown
Born Issur Danielovitch to Yiddish-speaking immigrants, the 'Spartacus' star appeared in 90 films and earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom
The latest honor for Jewish actor Kirk Douglas came in the upstate New York town where he was born and raised.
Friend and relatives gathered in Amsterdam on Sunday to unveil a historic marker for a sign that will say that Douglas, who turned 102 on the day of the unveiling, “Rose From Poverty To Appear In Over 90 Films In Hollywood,” The Associated Press reported.
The sign will be erected near his home in the town, which is about 30 miles from Albany, the state’s capital.
Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch, one of seven children to Yiddish-speaking immigrant parents. He wrote a 1988 autobiography, “The Ragman’s Son,” about the family’s poverty and travails.
He has starred in such films as “Spartacus” and “Lust for Life.” He earned three Oscar nominations for best actor, as well as an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.
His son Michael Douglas also is an accomplished actor and director.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.