The Hollywood great was nominated for Academy Awards three times throughout his career, and was presented with an honorary Oscar in 1996, the same year he suffered a stroke, severely impairing his ability to speak.

However, it never kept him out of the public eye. Following rehabilitation, including speech therapy, the actor wrote a book, \"My Stroke of Luck,\" in which he said his life \"changed for the better.\"

He authored several other books, including three memoirs, \"The Ragman's Son,\" \"Climbing the Mountain: My Search for Meaning\" and \"Let's Face It: 90 Years of Loving, Living and Learning,\" which he wrote at age 90.

\"PHOTO:
Getty Images
PHOTO: Kirk Douglas in 1948.
>

Douglas also returned to the screen, appearing in 1999's \"Diamonds\" opposite Lauren Bacall and 2003's In 2003, \"It Runs in the Family,\" co-starring his son, Oscar-winner Michael Douglas, Michael's son, Cameron Douglas, and his first wife, Diana Dill. His last major role was 2009's \"Before I Forget,\" an autobiographical one-man show he performed four times in Culver City, Calif. The performances were filmed and turned into a documentary that was released in 2010.

Douglas had four sons from two marriages. His son Eric Douglas died in 2004.

He is survived by his second wife Anne Douglas, whom he married in 1954, three sons and several grandchildren.

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