Actor Kirk Douglas brought his formidable chin and talent to classic movies such as 'Spartacus' and 'The Bad and the Beautiful.' He’s also the father of actor Michael Douglas. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II — and a brief career on the Broadway stage — Douglas made his first Hollywood film, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), starring Barbara Stanwyck. Three years later, he gave a breakthrough performance as a boxer who stops at nothing to make it to the top in Champion (1949). He amazed audiences and critics alike with his portrayal of Midge Kelly in the film, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination.