Tom Cruise has surely been an inspiration for many young actors but he holds admiration for Kirk Douglas for his contribution to the film industry. Cruise is known for delivering some of the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood. Apart from being an award-winning actor, he is also the recipient of the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or.
Tom Cruise & Kirk Douglas
The American actor has had his share of both commercial and critical success with his movies. While he is globally known for his blockbuster hits franchises such as Top Gun and Mission Impossible, Cruise has also delivered some mind-blowing performances in movies like The Minority Report, Magnolia, Vanilla Sky, and Jerry Maguire. Cruise is one of the most celebrated and daring stars currently in Hollywood who’s known for doing his own dangerous stunts.
However, if there was a veteran actor who could give Cruise any competition in the stunt acting department, it most certainly has to be the late Kirk Douglas. Douglas was one of the most popular heroes in Hollywood, during the mid-90s. The late American actor had performed his own stunts in movies such as Spartacus and Path of Glory. He had performed race car stunts and even flown a plane.
Tom Cruise Honours Kirk Douglas
In 1991, Tom Cruise delivered a heart-touching speech about the late actor for The 19th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Kirk Douglas. Cruise spoke about Douglas’ achievements and contribution to the modern film industry at the award ceremony.
He expressed how much respect and admiration held in his heart for Kirk Douglas.
“It’s truly an honour and a privilege to be here tonight to pay tribute to a man for whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration. Kirk’s presence and command of the screen make him one of the outstanding heroes in modern film. I know everyone in this room and those watching at home appreciate what you have given and what you are continuing to give of yourself to this industry.”
The Top Gun actor went on to share how Douglas’ Spartacus movie, which was released in 1960, left an impact on his life as a seven-year-old kid.
“I was just seven years old when I first saw you in what may be one of your greatest roles. Even then, the passion and intensity you gave as Spartacus held me spellbound. The quest for freedom and the fight against tyranny and bigotry is a central message not only of this film but of your life.”
Kirk Douglas Movies
During his acting career, Douglas delivered some very memorable performances. He’s done some amazing work in his movies throughout his career. His son, Michael Douglas also followed in his father’s footsteps and started his acting career at the age of 25 in 1969. Kirk Douglas lived for 103 years and took his last breaths on February 5, 2020. He was surrounded by his family members at his house in Beverly Hills, California.
Over the years, Douglas has many awards and honours. He received an honorary Oscar, the American Film Institute life achievement award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild life achievement award, and the National Medal of Arts.
Here are some of Douglas’ best movies:
- Paths of Glory, 1957
- Spartacus, 1960
- Ace In The Hole, 1951
- The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, 1946
- Lust For Life, 1956
- The Bad And The Beautiful, 1952
- Champion, 1949
- Seven Days In May, 1964
- Lonely Are the Brave, 1962
- 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, 1954
- Out of The Past, 1947
- The War Wagon, 1967
- Two Weeks In Another Town, 1962
- A Letter To Three Wives, 1949
- Last Train From Gun Hill, 1959
- Gunfight At The O.K. Corral, 1957
