Kirk Douglas had the opportunity to read his own obituary this weekend when People accidentally published the article “Kirk Douglas Dies.” It appears the magazine has the story ready to go — with space for a few to-be-determined details — for when the 97-year-old actor passes.
“Kirk Douglas, one of the few genuine box-office names to emerge just as TV was overtaking American culture in the years right after World War II, died TK TK TK,” reads the article, which was posted online as “DO NOT PUB.” It was written in September, but just began making the rounds this weekend when The Hollywood Reporter noticed it. It’s unclear how long it was actually online before it was removed.
Meanwhile, the Spartacus actor is preparing to celebrate his 98th birthday on Dec. 9. He recently wrote a tribute to Elaine Stritch for The Huffington Post in which he talked about “the curse of longevity.”
“You lose so many of your friends. Of course you are left with pleasant memories, but that’s not enough. I am beginning to number all the friends I have lost — Jack Valenti, Frank Sinatra, Ray Stark, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Laurence Olivier,” said Michael Douglas’ father. “Keep in touch with those you care about, no matter how much distance and time separates you. Share a laugh. Share a heartbreak. Share life while you can.”
