Kirk Douglas, one of the biggest post World War II actors known for starring in movies such as “Paths of Glory,” and “Spartacus,” has passed away at the age of 103.

A statement from the late actor’s oldest son, actor Michael Douglas, was released on Wednesday confirming the actor’s death. The 103 year old died at his home from natural causes.

“It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103,” Michael stated in a post on Instagram.

“To the world he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire to.”

Kirk Douglas, born Issur Danielovitch was born December 9, 1916 in Amsterdam, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents. Douglas joined the United States Navy, right after the country entered World War II, as a communications officer. After the war, Douglas returned to his home state of New York. He then started his career in acting, radio, and commercials. His breakout film “Champion,” led the actor to stardom. The film gave Douglas his first Academy Award Nomination for the role of Scrappy Michael “Midge” Kelly, a ruthless boxer. Douglas would go on to later star in Hollywood headliner films such as “Detective Story,” “The Bad and the Beautiful,” and “20,000 Leagues under the Sea,” in which he would receive many Oscar nominations and recognition for.

Known as Hollywood’s “Jewish goy,” for his Nordic looks, the actor revealed in 1997 that he started to embraced his long neglected Jewish heritage following a helicopter crash in 1991. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Douglas determined that God let him survive the accident so he could come to terms with his Jewish heritage. “I hadn’t thought about God for a long time. I ran away from him many, many years ago, “Douglas said. “ It’s tough to be Jew.”

Douglas went on to discuss how since the crash that left two others dead, to enduring survivor’s guilt and a stroke, he has become a better person.

“I have become more giving of myself and what I have,” he said.

Douglas has received many honors throughout his life, not only in the United States, but abroad as well. He was heavily recognized for his work in film and his philanthropic affiliations.

In 1981, Kirk Douglas was presented with the Presidential Medal of Honor in recognition of his work throughout the world.