Michael Douglas (born September 25, 1944) is an American actor and producer known for his versatile performances and long-running influence in Hollywood. Across a career spanning more than five decades he has won multiple major awards, including an Academy Award, Emmy, and several Golden Globes.
Michael Douglas emerged as both a respected actor and a successful film producer. He helped produce the Oscar-winning One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) early in his career and later earned widespread acclaim for on-screen roles such as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street (1987). His work ranges from mainstream blockbusters to intimate character pieces and prestige television.
Early Life
Michael Kirk Douglas was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to actor Kirk Douglas and actress Diana Dill. Raised around the film industry, he attended several preparatory schools and later studied drama at the University of California, Santa Barbara, graduating in 1968. Though the son of one of Hollywood’s major stars, Michael sought to build his own identity in the entertainment business.
He has a younger brother, Joel Douglas ( film producer ) and two paternal half-brothers, Peter Douglas ( television and film producer ) and Eric Douglas ( actor ), from stepmother Anne Buydens ( film producer ).
Career
Douglas began his career with television roles and gained prominence playing Inspector Steve Keller on the series The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1976). As a producer, he scored a major early success with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
In film, Douglas achieved star status in the 1980s and 1990s with a mix of commercial hits and critically acclaimed performances. Notable films include:
- Romancing the Stone (1984)
- Wall Street (1987) — Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Gordon Gekko
- Fatal Attraction (1987)
- Basic Instinct (1992)
- The American President (1995)
- Traffic (2000)
- Behind the Candelabra (2013) — Emmy Award for his portrayal of Liberace
Beyond acting, Douglas has produced many films and has been active in public causes, including nuclear disarmament advocacy.
He is known for Wall Street (1987), Money Never Sleeps (2010). The China Syndrome (1979), Romancing the Stone (1984), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Fatal Attraction (1987), The War of the Roses (1989), Basic Instinct (1992), Falling Down (1993), The American President (1995), The Game (1997), Traffic (2000), Wonder Boys (2000), and Solitary Man (2009).
Personal Life
Michael Douglas married Diandra Luker in 1977; they had one son, Cameron Douglas, and divorced in 2000. Later in 2000 he married actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. The couple have two children: Dylan Michael and Carys Zeta.
Douglas has faced health challenges publicly, notably undergoing treatment for throat cancer in 2010 and making a recovery. He remains active in film and television while also participating in philanthropic and political causes.
Selected Awards
- Academy Award — Best Actor (for Wall Street, 1988)
- Academy Award — (as producer, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1976)
- Emmy Award — Lead Actor (for Behind the Candelabra, 2013)
- Multiple Golden Globe Awards
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