Kirk Douglas: Twitter Jokes as the Elderly Legend Steals Oscars 2011 Show

Kirk Douglas didn't become an icon without knowing how to work a room.

The 94-year-old actor made the most of his time presenting the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, talking about how beautiful co-host Anne Hathaway is and teasing the nominees by repeatedly delaying the announcement.

If Douglas is a little before your time, you may know him as Michael Douglas' father (and Catherine Zeta-Jones' father-in-law). He starred in "Spartacus" in 1960 and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" in 1954; he has worked steadily since the 1940s and even provided a voice on "The Simpsons" once.

On Twitter, the Oscar-watching audience both laughed and groaned at Douglas' antics.

Surge Desk suspects that the Academy won't be taking this suggestion from Bill Maher.

Oscars just announced, Kirk Douglas hosting show next year.less than a minute ago via OpenBeakBill Maher
billmaher

Indeed, there is something strangely apropos about this comparison.

Kirk Douglas is like a 94 year old, white Kanye West.less than a minute ago via HootSuiteAlex Porter
AlexPorter82

This is an excellent question -- Surge Desk isn't sure what we think.

Quite the start to the oscars. Kirk Douglas - senile or knew exactly what he was doing?less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhoneBen Harapiak
bharapiak

There were too many jokes about Douglas' age to count.

Best supporting of an actor goes to Kirk Douglas' cane. #Oscarsless than a minute ago via TweetCasterNot Gary Busey
NotGaryBusey

Depending on what happens backstage, Kirk Douglas could be the first Oscar presenter to also show up in the In Memoriam tributeless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhoneNell Scovell
NellSco

Oscar for best animation: Kirk Douglas's plastic surgeon.less than a minute ago via webVancouver Magazine
vanmag_com

But many took umbrage with the jokes and leapt to Douglas' defense.

Folks trippin' on Kirk Douglas. The man's a Hollywood legend & he suffered a stroke. Praise God he is still with us & was able to present!less than a minute ago via Facebookrolandsmartin
rolandsmartin