The world mourns the loss of Douglas Fairbanks Jr., legendary actor and advocate for the arts, who passed away on May 7, 2000, at the age of 90. Born in New York City on December 9, 1909, Douglas was the son of silent film star Douglas Fairbanks, and was destined to become a movie star of his own. He made his film debut at the young age of 12, and at 17 became the youngest actor to be signed to a contract with major studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He was best known for his leading roles in The Prisoner of Zenda, Gunga Din, Sinbad the Sailor, and The Corsican Brothers. He also served in World War II, becoming the first actor to be part of a specialized commando unit and eventually rising to the rank of major. He was a committed philanthropist and advocate for the arts, serving on the boards of the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Film Preservation Board, the American Film Institute, the California Arts Council and the La Jolla Music Society. He will be remembered for his passion for life, lively wit, and commitment to the arts. He is survived by his two sons, three stepsons, and two grandchildren.