Kirk & Anne Douglas: A True Inspiration

The Couple, Who Lost A Son To A Drug & Alcohol Overdose Will Be Honored With Inspiration Award

(CBS)  Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, 92, is still performing, most recently in a one man show. But he and his wife Anne are in New York being honored for a different reason.

Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen sat down with the well-known Hollywood couple to talk about the past and the future.

"I discovered that when I talk slowly, people listen!" Kirk said.

He recently took to the stage to tell stories from his life. And what a life. Iconic film roles in "Spartacus," "Paths of Glory," "The Bad and the Beautiful."

"I'm 92. That's why I said, 'What does a guy who's 92 years old, have an impediment in speech, what does he do?' He does a one man show," Kirk joked.

His sons were there on opening night, paying tribute to Kirk's qualities as a father.

"Stamina, endurance, continuity in spirit," said Michael Douglas about his father's character.

But one son was missing. The story of Eric Douglas is why Kirk and his wife Anne are being honored.

Eric was an aspiring actor himself. But after a decades-long struggle with drugs and alcohol he died of an overdose at the age of 46.

"He is in a beautiful cemetery here that's not far from us. And I still go with my husband every week, because we feel a little better when we can go and talk to him," said Anne.

"When this happened, you blame yourself. What did I do wrong? What could I have done better?" Kirk said. "And Anne and I took Eric to 20 rehab centers. Nothing helped. And when it happened, it's devastating."

Kirk and Anne never hesitate to share their story so others can learn from their experience. That's why they're receiving the Inspiration Award tonight from CASA, Columbia University's Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.

"How do you cope with this?" Chen asked.

"By trying to help others. We don't want them to go through what we've, and others, have gone through," Kirk said.

Chen will co-host tonight's fundraiser, along with Michael Douglas.

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Kirk Douglas, a fine actor and a fine man.

A model of manly integrity.