Hollywood legends often come and go, but few have managed to achieve the kind of enduring love that Kirk Douglas and Anne Buydens shared. Their relationship wasn’t just a fairytale; it was real, raw, and inspiring. The late Spartacus star, who passed away at the age of 103 on February 5, 2020, found his "happily ever after" with his wife Anne, who has been by his side since they tied the knot in 1954. But their love story didn’t start with fireworks—it was more of a slow burn.
From Skepticism to Romance
Kirk Douglas, a giant in the world of cinema, met Anne Buydens in 1953, at the height of his career. Despite being one of the biggest names in Hollywood, Anne wasn’t exactly starstruck. In fact, when Kirk first asked her out, she politely declined. "Come on, let me take you to the lion’s den," he reportedly said, referring to his movie trailer. But Anne wasn’t swayed. "No, thank you, I think I’ll go home and make myself some scrambled eggs," she replied. Imagine that—turning down one of the most charming actors of the Golden Age!
Kirk later joked about their awkward first encounter in an interview with USA Today. "She was the most difficult woman I ever met," he said with a laugh. "I mean, I was a big movie star! And I invited her to dinner and she said, 'Oh, thank you very much, but I’m so tired.'" It’s moments like these that make their story all the more relatable. Even the great Kirk Douglas wasn’t immune to rejection.
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Learning to Listen
Despite their rocky start, Anne eventually took a job as one of Kirk’s publicists. In their joint memoir, Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood, Kirk admitted that their romance didn’t truly blossom until he started paying attention to her. "I stopped talking about myself and began to listen to her," he wrote. It’s a simple yet profound lesson: true connection often begins when we learn to listen.
For Anne, it wasn’t just Kirk’s good looks or fame that won her over. It was a small, unexpected gesture that made her realize he was different. During a party, while dressed in a tuxedo, Kirk willingly scooped up elephant dung. "That’s what got me," she told USA Today. "It was not only funny, it was showing me that he was able to do things that are not expected from him." That moment spoke volumes about Kirk’s character—he was more than just a movie star; he was a man who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
A Lifetime Together
Kirk and Anne officially became a couple in 1954 when they walked down the aisle. Over the years, they became the proud parents of two sons: Peter Douglas and the late Eric Douglas. Kirk was also a devoted father to his sons Michael Douglas and Joel Douglas from his first marriage to Diana Douglas. Their family life was filled with laughter, love, and countless memories.
Kirk often credited Anne for much of his happiness and longevity. Around the time he turned 100 in 2016, he opened up about their relationship. "I was lucky enough to find my soulmate 63 years ago," he told Closer Weekly. "And I believe our wonderful marriage and our nightly ‘golden hour’ chats have helped me survive all things." Those chats weren’t just idle conversations; they were moments of connection, laughter, and love.
