Bryna, his mother, spent every second of the day trying to take care of the family. She did all of this without a proper stove, running water, or a washing machine.

In 1934, when Kirk graduated from high school, it is not surprising that the future actor did not have any money for college tuition, even with his strong academics and various school awards.

Instead of applying the traditional sense of the word, Douglas gathered all of these awards, his transcripts, acting distinctions, essays, poems, and an English teacher’s letter of recommendation on a 200 mile hike. His long journey was side-by-side with a friend who was a sophomore at the school that was their destination–St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.

His initial meeting with the Dean there resulted in enrollment and substantial help in applying for the necessary loans. In his second semester, Kirk even gained some scholarship money.

To keep up with the tuition and typical expenses, Douglas also took on a variety of side jobs, including wrestling at a local circus. He additionally made an effort to work at a variety of resorts and hotels, and he was eventually hired to act at the Tamarack Playhouse at Lake Pleasant.

At the age of 25, Kirk Douglas met 17-year-old Betty Perske at Manhattan’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

After gaining a significant amount of fame in her first movie role, the young actress invited film producer Hal Wallis to watch Douglas perform on Broadway, and the rest was history.

Kirk was a member of the Navy during World War II, but then returned in 1946 to act in his first film, “The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.”

His breakthrough came about three years later in 1949’s “The Champion”, where he was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Midge Kelly.

Eventually, Douglas married Anne Buydens, a German philanthropist who had been born into privilege but lost everything during World War II.