The marriage of actor Kirk Douglas and Ann lasted over 65 years.
Kirk Douglas was already well-known, with his roles as a brave hero and charismatic villain earning him admiration from fans worldwide.
He achieved equal success with his female co-stars, but it is Ann he describes as the most challenging woman of his life.
In response to his invitation to a fancy restaurant, she replied that she would prefer to dine at home and without him. This wasn’t mere affectation.
It took Douglas a year to get her to the altar, and he admitted that their relationship only started to improve after he began listening to her in conversations, not just talking himself.
This intelligent and talented woman changed many things in the actor’s life.
She was a friend, a partner in arms, the most honest critic, and the main woman in his life. Throughout their lives, the actor and his wife generously donated millions of dollars to charitable causes.
They established foundations to help single women, actors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and numerous scholarship funds for youth education.
The couple funded hundreds of playgrounds in underserved areas and sponsored a homeless shelter that once housed aspiring actor Kirk Douglas.
