Kirk Douglas made a significant impact on television screens recently with the airing of the 1965 movie “The Heroes of Telemark” on BBC 2.

Portraying a strong resistance fighter battling Nazis, Douglas struggled to maintain his tough image in real life, especially when working alongside fellow Hollywood star Burt Lancaster.

In the 1960s, Kirk Douglas rose to fame with his memorable role in the gladiator film “Spartacus,” followed by hits like “Gunfight at the OK Corral” and “Paths of Glory.”

Despite his success, Douglas had a tumultuous relationship with Lancaster, with whom he collaborated on multiple projects.

Their constant clashes both on and off set were fueled by a deep familiarity, leading to moments of intense conflict.

According to the biography “An American Life” by Kate Buford, the tension between Douglas and Lancaster reached a peak during a dinner event, where Lancaster publicly mocked Douglas for using shoe lifts to appear taller.

This ridicule struck a nerve with Douglas, causing him to break down in tears in front of the audience, visibly shaken by the personal attack.

Despite their rocky history, Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster eventually developed a close friendship that endured beyond Lancaster’s passing.

Following Lancaster’s death in 1994, Douglas paid tribute to his late friend, describing him as a “giant” whose presence he deeply missed.

Reflecting on their shared experiences, Douglas recalled moments of laughter and camaraderie on set, such as the uncontrollable fits of laughter during the filming of “Gunfight at the OK Corral.”

The bond between Douglas and Lancaster, though often contentious, was marked by moments of genuine connection and mutual respect.

As Douglas fondly remembered in his memoir, their friendship transcended the challenges they faced, leaving behind a legacy of shared experiences and enduring camaraderie.