Kirk Douglas, 95, ‘Still looking forward’

By Tom Tugend
Published on June 20, 2012

At 95, Kirk Douglas has just released his 10th book and is prepping for his third bar mitzvah in December.

Fifty years later, Kirk Douglas wins tribute for breaking Hollywood blacklist

Published on July 21, 2011

Kirk Douglas has achieved much in his 94 years, but asked for his proudest accomplishment the actor cites the breaking of the infamous Hollywood Blacklist.

S.F. film festival to honor Kirk Douglas

Published on April 27, 2011

Kirk Douglas will be honored at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival this summer. Douglas, 94, is expected to attend the July 23 festival to receive the Freedom of Expression award at a special 50th anniversary showing of “Spartacus.”

Films of triumph and despair

By Tom Tugend
Published on April 20, 2011

When Israel fought its War of Independence, embedded TV cameramen were unknown and even combat newsreel photographers were practically non-existent. The newly created state had more important matters to worry about. More surprisingly, there have been hardly any movies celebrating the near miraculous victories of 1948-49, and later of the Six-Day War in 1967.

When Crystal met Spielberg; A rabbi, a reverend and a pastor walk into a shul

By Danielle Berrin
Published on October 31, 2008

When Billy Crystal met Steven Spielberg at the Oct. 22 Shoah Foundation dinner, the comedian had a beef with the filmmaker.

Kirk Douglas packs 90 years of living into latest book

By Tom Tugend
Published on August 2, 2007

Kirk Douglas is not done yet, not by a long shot. Just out is his ninth book, "Let's Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving and Learning." It is a mix of reminiscences, anecdotes, tributes to Hollywood luminaries now faded or gone, a critique of America's present leadership and somber thoughts on the drug-induced suicide of Eric, the youngest of his four sons.

Socalled music, mythic characters, legal pugilism, Kirk again, open casting call

By Dikla Kadosh
Published on June 7, 2007

Picks and Clicks

Downloading Papa Douglas

By Tom Tugend
Published on April 19, 2007

Kirk Douglas, having survived 87 movies, countless one-night stands with Hollywood's most beautiful women, a helicopter crash, a stroke and two bar mitzvahs is beginning to hit his stride at age 90. His latest endeavor, coinciding with the publication of his ninth book, is a clarion call for tikkun olam to rouse Generation Y to repair the world through social action and respect for human rights.

Orthodox Union Searches for New Director; Happy Birthday Kirk Douglas!

Published on December 14, 2006

Community News Briefs

Kirk Douglas—Bar Mitzvah Boy

By Tom Tugend
Published on December 23, 1999

The 200-seat chapel at Sinai Temple was crammed with Hollywood luminaries of yesterday and today, when Rabbi David Wolpe called Issur ben Heshel to the Torah for his bar mitzvah reading and speech.

Kirk Douglas’ Greatest Role

By Tom Tugend
Published on September 18, 1997

"The Torah is the greatest screenplay ever written," Kirk Douglas says. "Ithas passion, incest, murder, adultery -- really everything."