 He underwent years of voice therapy and made "Diamonds" in 1999, in which he played an old prizefighter who was recovering from a stroke.It co-starred his longtime friend from his early acting years, Lauren Bacall.In 2003, Michael and Joel Douglas produced "It Runs in the Family", which along with Kirk starred various family members, including Michael, Michael's son, and his wife from 50 years earlier, Diana Dill, playing his wife.