Few performers have enjoyed the kind of career longevity as that of legendary American actor Kirk Douglas.

During his 70-plus-year career, he’s made more than 80 movies, appeared in ten plays and written ten books. But, he says, his favorite films weren’t always his most popular, such as the 1962 Western, “Lonely Are the Brave.”

“It was not a big movie, but I like the movie and the character I played in it,” explained Douglas.

Kirk and Anne Douglas: Committed to charity

Legendary American actor Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne talk about their commitment to charity.

In 1996, just two months after suffering a severe stroke, which impaired his ability to speak, Douglas was awarded a special Oscar for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He dedicated the award to his wife of 62 years, Anne.

“It was not only the emotion that he gave it to me but, that he could talk,” said Anne.

“And I have been talking ever since,” Kirk quickly answered back.

But it’s Douglas’ work off-screen, along with his wife, that’s become his most important legacy. Some 50 years ago, Anne established a trust and the pair amassed a massive fortune they’ve been giving away for years.

Mike Walter recently sat down with Kirk and Anne Douglas in their Los Angeles home where they revealed their secrets to personal and professional longevity and talked about their lifelong commitment to charity.