Kirk Douglas Estate Details Reveal Family Inheritances

The estate of legendary actor Kirk Douglas, who died in 2020 at age 103, included specific bequests for family members ranging from prestigious awards to artwork and sculptures, according to trust documents obtained by TMZ.

The documents, executed by Kirk Douglas and his widow Anne Douglas before their deaths, outline how the couple's substantial estate was divided among their four sons and numerous grandchildren. Anne Douglas died in 2021 at age 102.

Kirk Douglas's son Michael Douglas received a diverse collection of art pieces, including a wooden rectangular piece, five outdoor structures featuring a tall lady in bronze, a small sculpture of a nude girl with braids identified as Yugoslavian, and a sculpture depicting two children. The actor also inherited 19 lithographs from Marc Chagall's "The Bible Series."

Michael Douglas's wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, was specifically provided for in the estate documents. She received "The Friendship Bench" created by John Kennedy.

The distribution of Kirk Douglas's accolades among family members reflected the actor's desire to share his professional legacy. His son Joel Douglas received the Oscar that Kirk Douglas was awarded in 1996, along with a three-dimensional set of miniatures depicting Kirk and Anne, and several paintings. Another son, Peter Douglas, inherited a collection of paintings.

Three of the sons—Michael, Peter, and Joel—were each granted the opportunity to select $100,000 worth of memorabilia from the estate. The household staff received permission to take items from Anne Douglas's closets and drawers.

Kirk Douglas's grandchildren also received meaningful inheritances tied to their grandfather's distinguished career. Cameron Douglas, Michael's son, inherited Kirk Douglas's Medal of Freedom, which President Carter awarded to the actor in 1981. Another grandson received his 1983 Jefferson Award, while additional grandchildren received other awards from Kirk Douglas's collection. A granddaughter inherited jewelry from the estate.

The estate administration remains ongoing. Joel Douglas has filed a request with the court seeking to replace the current corporate administrator of his trust with a new administrator, citing a desire to expedite the handling of trust matters and the distribution of assets.

Kirk Douglas's four sons are Michael, Eric, Joel, and Peter Douglas. The estate documents demonstrate the actor's careful consideration in distributing both sentimental and valuable items among his descendants, ensuring that his professional achievements and personal treasures would remain within the family.